2008 Woodie Awards
Enjoy the festivities without the weight gain
Easy ways to stay fit while enjoying the holiday feasts and treats
Francesca Grasso
Issue date: 11/29/07 Section: Features
- Page 1 of 2 next >
Staying fit through this time of year can be a hard task to accomplish. Family get-togethers during the holidays are usually filled with three-course meals, cookies, pies and cakes. How do you enjoy yourself without gaining the weight?
Small portions are key.
"Of course you can enjoy the home cooked meals," said fitness trainer Alan Tomczykowski.
"The unhealthiest thing you can do is to try and starve yourself. In reality, not eating anything can actually lead you to gain weight, which is the opposite of what you want to do. When eating, you should try to downsize your portions to a little of everything instead of a lot of everything. When your body is full, stop eating. You can always go back for more as another meal later on."
Suggest healthier foods, or make a healthier substitute dish for yourself can also prevent weight gain.
"There are so many good organic foods in the supermarket these days. People are realizing that these foods are proven to be a lot better for you because they do not contain the harmful preservatives, but could be a little pricier," said Tomczycowski.
"Suggest that the chef uses whole wheat pasta instead of white pasta for a macaroni dish or lasagna. Vegetable lasagna instead of meat lasagna is a healthier choice as well, but still very tasty. Choosing reduced fat cheeses and making sure there are vegetables on the table can also lead to less weight on your waist. Also, make sure you drink lots of water. Water is a great appetite suppressant."
Sitting on your couch watching television will not help keep you fit.
"Get yourself involved. Joining a gym over break is a great idea," said senior Mikara Cimmino.
"They have monthly packages and if you are not working it makes it even easier for you to make time everyday to work out. If you work hard enough it can cancel out all of the extra holiday weight you gain. I understand, however, that it is an expensive time of year and buying a membership is not something everyone wants to spend money on. Taking a jog in the morning or at night around your neighborhood is just as efficient."
Small portions are key.
"Of course you can enjoy the home cooked meals," said fitness trainer Alan Tomczykowski.
"The unhealthiest thing you can do is to try and starve yourself. In reality, not eating anything can actually lead you to gain weight, which is the opposite of what you want to do. When eating, you should try to downsize your portions to a little of everything instead of a lot of everything. When your body is full, stop eating. You can always go back for more as another meal later on."
Suggest healthier foods, or make a healthier substitute dish for yourself can also prevent weight gain.
"There are so many good organic foods in the supermarket these days. People are realizing that these foods are proven to be a lot better for you because they do not contain the harmful preservatives, but could be a little pricier," said Tomczycowski.
"Suggest that the chef uses whole wheat pasta instead of white pasta for a macaroni dish or lasagna. Vegetable lasagna instead of meat lasagna is a healthier choice as well, but still very tasty. Choosing reduced fat cheeses and making sure there are vegetables on the table can also lead to less weight on your waist. Also, make sure you drink lots of water. Water is a great appetite suppressant."
Sitting on your couch watching television will not help keep you fit.
"Get yourself involved. Joining a gym over break is a great idea," said senior Mikara Cimmino.
"They have monthly packages and if you are not working it makes it even easier for you to make time everyday to work out. If you work hard enough it can cancel out all of the extra holiday weight you gain. I understand, however, that it is an expensive time of year and buying a membership is not something everyone wants to spend money on. Taking a jog in the morning or at night around your neighborhood is just as efficient."
Be the first to comment on this story