Posted 11:07 pm Sunday, October 21, 2012
Send to Kindle
Holidays, slimming down a careful mix
By Coshandra Dillard
cdillard@tylerpaper.com
There’s nothing like the fall season. There is the fast-approaching feeling of the holidays, great weather, football, cozy blankets and warm, homemade comfort foods. However, for people trying to lose weight, it can get a little tricky.
cdillard@tylerpaper.com
There’s nothing like the fall season. There is the fast-approaching feeling of the holidays, great weather, football, cozy blankets and warm, homemade comfort foods. However, for people trying to lose weight, it can get a little tricky.
Fall festivals and holidays mean we don’t want to turn down every delectable treat offered to us. That’s why there are usually holiday boot camps and classes emphasizing the importance of balance.
We can still enjoy those nostalgic foods and traditions, but we don’t have to eat a whole spread.
Health experts remind us to go ahead, have a cheat meal or two — just do so with smaller portions and spread out small meals over the day instead of eating one large, calorie-laden meal at once.
What’s interesting is that most foods we focus on during this time are healthy, such as pumpkins, squash, citrus fruits, sweet potatoes and apples. And they’re usually inexpensive.
Think about the typical Thanksgiving dinner: It includes all of those foods, plus lean turkey. We just have to find better ways to prepare them.
We get in trouble when we have two types of potatoes — one drenched in gravy and the other in butter and a sugary glaze.
Health experts remind us to go ahead, have a cheat meal or two — just do so with smaller portions and spread out small meals over the day instead of eating one large, calorie-laden meal at once.
What’s interesting is that most foods we focus on during this time are healthy, such as pumpkins, squash, citrus fruits, sweet potatoes and apples. And they’re usually inexpensive.
Think about the typical Thanksgiving dinner: It includes all of those foods, plus lean turkey. We just have to find better ways to prepare them.
We get in trouble when we have two types of potatoes — one drenched in gravy and the other in butter and a sugary glaze.
But these foods are naturally tasty, so it is very possible to have a healthier version. Add a fried turkey, breads and white rice and you’ve got a recipe for a disastrous weight-loss effort.
But back to one of the stars of this season: pumpkins. I’ve never eaten pumpkin, but recently discovered pumpkin seeds. They are both abundant right now. Pumpkins are a great source of antioxidants and their seeds are concentrated sources of magnesium, iron, protein and vitamins. It also contains L-tryptophan, an essential amino acid that is used to treat depression, anxiety, insomnia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and other problems.
Here’s a Pinterest page filled with healthy fall favorites, including pumpkin, that won’t wreck your healthy lifestyle: www.pinterest.com/FooducateMe/fall-favorites.
As for working out during this time, stay motivated by imagining your goals already being met and how much better you’ll feel and look when it’s all said and done. Overindulgence only lasts for a few moments. The gift of good health can last a lifetime.
But back to one of the stars of this season: pumpkins. I’ve never eaten pumpkin, but recently discovered pumpkin seeds. They are both abundant right now. Pumpkins are a great source of antioxidants and their seeds are concentrated sources of magnesium, iron, protein and vitamins. It also contains L-tryptophan, an essential amino acid that is used to treat depression, anxiety, insomnia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and other problems.
Here’s a Pinterest page filled with healthy fall favorites, including pumpkin, that won’t wreck your healthy lifestyle: www.pinterest.com/FooducateMe/fall-favorites.
As for working out during this time, stay motivated by imagining your goals already being met and how much better you’ll feel and look when it’s all said and done. Overindulgence only lasts for a few moments. The gift of good health can last a lifetime.
