Your holiday diet dilemma solved!
By Nancy Lu
These and many more questions are probably scattered all over your brain right now, but don’t sweat it, just keep on reading! Now remember, don’t lose your self-esteem. If you bring yourself down, your new year’s resolution will definitely not be fulfilled.Munch, munch, munch! Whatever diet you’re on, eating is always part of the process. Just take a look at the food you have in front of you before you start chomping it down because you become what you eat. I know eating healthy food can be tough sometimes, it’s either you’re sick of broccoli or you just can’t swallow another carrot. Well, teens like you are always going through these challenges, and that’s when health concerns come in; such as lower rates of physical activity, higher rates of obesity, asthma, prescription drug use, and sexually transmitted infections. So, if you want to stay fit for the holidays, which everyone is striving for, just don’t overload yourself with those mouth-watering chocolates, even if they were a gift to you. Share… it is the season of giving after all!
“Eat smaller amounts of food, but eat more frequently throughoutthe day. This will help control those cravings!” -Beth Mansfield, Nutritionist
Another tip you could keep in mind is having home cooked meals more often, as it is better to know what ingredients go into your food. If you still can’t resist that fresh-out-of the-oven cinnamon bun? Too lazy to cook? Well, then the least you can do is exercise whenever and wherever you can. Going for a morning walk or run, or even chopping down your own Christmas tree would be better than ordering a plastic one!
Next, the issue of trying to gain weight. Do you just not feel like eating sometimes? Or you feel like you have a full stomach already, when you’ve only just had your first bite? Well then this is the perfect time for you to bend the rules a bit by munching on food that’s healthy - skip the junk because all those sweet and sour treats do is get you high on sugar and send you crashing. Good ways to put a couple of pounds on are having extra portions of good protein such as; organic meats, fish, and organic poultry. When you go out, keep an extra snack (like a low-carb power bar or a small bag of almonds) in your purse, so you’ll never go short!
At the end of the day, it all comes down to your responsibilities. You are the only one that can control what you put into your body. If you feel that you have a problem with making the right choices then never be afraid to talk with a doctor to see if you’re alright. A doctor or nutritionist can help you set goals that make sense for your body type. Achieving a goal that you set is an absolute way to boost self-esteem! Remember, this is your own business and the most important thing is that you’re happy with yourself!
“Getting my lifelong weight struggle under control has come from
a process of treating myself as well as treat others in every way.”
-Oprah Winfrey, O Magazine
NIBBLE ON A NUTRITIOUS NOSH:
• nuts
• raisins
• yogurt
• cereal bar
• cheese & cracker
RECIPES
ENGLISH MUFFIN PIZZAS:
• English muffins
• Pizza sauce
• Mozzarella cheese
• Pepperoni (optional)
• Mushrooms (optional)
• Other pizza toppings
Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Bake for about 5 minutes or until the cheese melts and bubbles slightly.
GALA GOODIES
CHRISTMAS TURKEY SALAD –
Ingredients:
• lettuce
• sliced green onion
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
• some left over turkey pieces
• salad dressing
Preparation:
In medium bowl combine turkey and dressing. Cover and let marinate in refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours. Drain excess marinade; fold in mayonnaise, lemon juice and onion.
SOURCES:
www.annecollins.com/teen-weight-loss-healthy-eating.htm
www.askdrsears.com/html/4/T045100.asp
www.kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/
school.discovery.com/lessonplans/programs/eatright/
exercise.about.com/od/weightloss/a/stayfit_holiday.htm
exercise.about.com/cs/weightloss/a/holidaytips.htm
www.foodnetwork.com/food/ck_holiday_baking/0,3151,FOOD_28176,00.html
www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_29372,00.html
backtoschool.about.com/od/recipesforkids/r/pizza5.htm
www.quotationspage.com/subjects/health/
southernfood.about.com/od/turkeysalad/r/bln364.htm
www.ccsd.ca/pccy/2006/health.htm
