CHOCOLATE IS MY FRIEND DURING THE HOLIDAYS
By Babs Hogan
As of today, we have thirty days until Christmas and thirty-six days to plan our New Year’s resolutions. Most of us are focused on what Santa will put under the tree…will it be a new iPod? Jewelry? HD DVD player? Only a handful of us have considered setting health goals for 2008 and fewer have written them down. As sugarplums dance in our heads, 2008 seems so far away. So how do we get pass overindulging during the holidays?
First, let’s look at our credit card habits when purchasing gifts. Some of us “max out” our credit, thinking that we will pay it in full by February or March. How many of us actually do this? Result = more debt. Secondly, holiday food is always tempting and offered in great abundance. Result = more fat. Thirdly, it is easy to slip into the “materialistic” mode during Christmas. Things and doodads of all sorts surround us. How much of this do we really need? Result = stuff. So on December 26, we wake up to more debt, more fat, and more stuff. Without sounding like a scrooge, I ask: Is it really worth it? Each year, the average American gains seven pounds during the holidays. (If you count calories: 7 lbs. = 24,500 calories!) For most of us, unfortunately, it’s easy to gain and hard to lose.
If you are a runner, use this formula. Running at 5 mph or faster, your net calories burned per mile can be calculated by multiplying your weight in lbs. times .63
Example: 150 lbs. x .63 = 94.5 calories per mile*
To burn 24,500 calories, this person must run 259 miles.
For walkers (3-4 miles/hour), multiply your weight in lbs. times .53
Example: 150 lbs. x .53 = 79.5 calories per mile*
To burn 24,500 calories, this person must walk 308 miles.
Cake lovers; remember that a four-ounce piece of chocolate cake has about 450 calories. You can look forward to a five and a half mile walk to burn this off.
If we think ahead by only a month, we can prevent the typical holiday weight gain. If we are successful at this task, we are already one step ahead for January! When the time comes, achieving this goal will be meaningful.
There is no doubt that I will enjoy chocolate during the holidays --- I always do. In fact, I don’t have a list of “enemy” foods. The key for me is to enjoy one or two bites, instead of the whole piece. When working with my clients, I encourage them to enjoy foods that they like. Learning how to control portion sizes often tops the priority list of things to do. Admittedly, it takes a little bit of practice, but it can be accomplished.
As a Wellcoach, I’m always thinking ahead. My clients and I work as a team, focusing on prevention, both short-term and long-term. By focusing on prevention, we create plans for scenarios that are sure to happen. Holiday parties offer many opportunities for making smart food choices. My clients and I talk about the importance of being prepared for the challenges ahead. The holiday season is a wonderful time for family and friends. It is a time for joy, cheer, and good times. It is not a time for severe restrictions --- so enjoy the season and all of the festivities!
In thirty days, Christmas will be here and Santa will return to the North Pole. A few days later, January 1st will usher in a new year. Then we will start the process over again. 2008: Will it be just an average year? Is being average okay with you?
FREE WELLCOACH SESSION OFFER TO MAXIMUM BALANCE READERS:
1.If you are thinking ahead and want to get a jump-start on 2008, I invite the first ten respondents to email me for a free Wellcoach session during December 2007.
2. You'll also be eligible to receive a free registration for one WEIGHT LOSS WEBINAR session scheduled for January.
You can contact Babs at: babswellcoach@gmail.com and learn more at www.wellcoachtexas.com