 |
|
|
| |
How to Celebrate and Not Gain
Weight 
By N. Saini M.D.
Are
you concerned about gaining weight this holiday season?
Many studies have shown that people gain several pounds
over the holidays. According to the National Institute
of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Disorders, though,
Americans usually gain only about a pound between Thanksgiving
and New Year's Day, but the accumulation of this weight
gain over the years may be a contributing cause of obesity
later in life.
Whether you've just started a weight loss program, you're
halfway to your goal weight, or you're trying to maintain,
you may dread the holiday season for the culinary temptation
it brings. Relax - you don't have to bow out of social
occasions to stay on track. These tips can help you
to celebrate and Compensate for indulgence. Add an extra
10 minutes to your exercise routine if you know you'll
be faced with gourmet snacks. Or eat a lighter breakfast
or lunch to save up calories for dinner.
Don't go to a party hungry, though, or you could set yourself
up for a binge at the buffet table.
- If you're playing host or hostess, you'll have more
control over the menu. Serve healthful, attractive
foods, such as an artfully arranged fruit tray or
low-fat hors d'oeuvres.
- If you are at a party with a huge buffet table filled
with foods and desserts, stand on the other side of
the room away from temptation.
- Drink water or juice spritzer instead of alcohol
or high-fat drinks to save calories. For example,
an 8-ounce glass of eggnog with rum may contain 450
calories.
- Don't snack on foods you don't love - instead, save
yourself for small portions of your favorite holiday
treats that you don't get any other time of year.
- Keep tabs with a food journal. Even if you don't
keep a food diary any other time of the year, doing
so will help you remember to eat healthily and sensibly
through the holiday season. Purchase a small notebook
and keep it in your purse or pocket to help you monitor
your holiday indulgences. At the end of the day, add
up your calories to make sure you're staying within
a reasonable range for weight maintenance.
- If you are bringing a food gift to a party, bring
something healthy and low in calories so you know
there will be something tasty to eat that won't sabotage
your diet plan.
|
|
|
|
|
