Posted on: Saturday, December 14, 2002
PRESCRIPTIONS
You can avoid weight gain over holidays
By Amy Tousman
Q. How can I keep from gaining weight over the holidays?
A. After the Thanksgiving leftovers have been gobbled up, it's time for the 'ono grinds of the Christmas season or Hanukkah.
Whether you are trying to watch your cholesterol, control your diabetes or just trying to lose weight, this time of year poses many challenges.
With all of the parties, treats at the office and gifts of sweets, it seems like your will power and resolve are constantly being tested.
It has been said that the average weight gain during the winter holidays is five to 10 pounds.
Believe it or not, it is possible to keep holiday weight gain in check and keep yourself healthy and fit over the holidays. Just follow the tips below.
• During December, work at maintaining your current weight rather than trying to lose weight.
• Plan ahead. If you know you will be out of the house shopping most of the day, bring healthy snacks with you.
• Limit portions of fatty foods. You don't need to deprive yourself of all of your favorites. At the same time, you don't need to overdo it.
• Pace yourself. Chew your food thoroughly and eat slowly. This will help you feel satisfied with less.
• Stop eating when you are comfortably full. No sense causing yourself a stomach ache.
• Don't skip meals. This leads to ravenous hunger. When you are that hungry, it's easy to overeat.
• When eating at a buffet, use the large plate for vegetable salads and fruits, and the small plate for the starches and entrees.
• Don't hang around by the pupu table at parties. You will keep nibbling without realizing how much you've eaten.
• Exercise. It burns those extra calories, helps suppress your appetite and can do wonders for your mood.
• Walk a few laps around the mall before shopping. This is a great way to sneak in exercise.
The bottom line: Enjoy yourself during the holidays.
Be sensible about your food.
The holidays do not have to sabotage your health goals.
Amy Tousman is a registered dietitian at Straub Clinic & Hospital Inc. and a member of the Hawai'i Dietetic Association.
Send questions to: Prescriptions, Island Life, The Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802; or to ohana@honoluluadvertiser.com; fax 535-8170.
This column is for information only. Consult your health provider for medical advice.
