Enjoy That Holiday Food, Too!
J Gardener
No matter how many holiday seasons pass, each one seems to start earlier, than the last. September which has always meant the beginning of autumn, the football season, and cool days, now means the first appearance of Santa Claus, in many stores and commercials.
The season that leads to Christmas and Santa Claus's visit is full of parties and events that keep most families busy, until January. Many of the holiday activities we indulge in, every year, are centered around food. Every culture and ethnic group seems to have its own rich epicurean heritage, which is spotlighted in this season of joy and cheer. Not only is it difficult to avoid eating wonderful, calorie-filled food during the holidays, it's probably impossible.
It's really true that the average person puts on at least a few pounds during the holiday season. And the earlier we begin celebrating the holidays, each year, the more pounds we're likely to add, before the New Year. And it's not just an adult problem, either. Children today are just as vulnerable to the holiday weight gain as their parents.
The days leading to Christmas are probably not the time that most people can actually begin a strict new exercise regimen. Still, there are a few ways that families can try and minimize the damage to their waistlines, while still enjoying all the wonderful food of the holiday season.
Weekends can be great times for parents to take their kids on morning walks. An early, brisk, half-hour walk can charge the metabolic batteries for the whole day, so that the body burns calories more efficiently. A good walk on the morning of a party, where there will be great food, can stave off a tiny bit of weight gain.
When shopping or attending parties, or even just at school or work, families should encourage each other to walk up and down stairways, whenever possible, rather than using elevators. Stair-climbing is an excellent cardio-vascular exercise.
Few people realize the weight-loss advantages of sleep. Though the holiday season is such a busy time, it's important to maintain proper sleep habits to keep the body's efficiency operating at peak levels.
It's impossible to avoid being confronted with wonderful foods and desserts, during the holiday season. And gaining a few pounds may be inevitable, for most of us. But if we take advantage of the opportunites we have, for extra exercise, then we can make it to the New Year, with little damage done.
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