March 2005 "Tips"

Weight Loss Tip:

Alcohol Counts When Trying to Lose Weight

(By: Kimberly A. Tessmer, RD LD)

 

Alcohol is liquid so how much can it hurt?  If you are watching your weight alcohol can most definitely be a detriment.  At 7 calories per gram, alcohol is metabolized like fat, which means that it is absorbed and stored in your fat cells.  Alcohol can also decrease your will power to stay away from high calorie foods.  If you are watching your weight, consume alcohol in moderation if at all.  Moderate drinking is defined as no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.  Not only will drinking alcohol in moderation help your waist line but it is also important as part of a healthier lifestyle to either moderate it or lay off of it altogether.  Instead of an alcoholic drink at a party try sparkling water, water with lemon, or just a diet soft drink.  Volunteer to be the designated driver for friends and family so that you are forced to stay away from the alcohol.  

Nutrition News: 

MARCH is National Nutrition Month®

(By: Kimberly A. Tessmer, RD LD)

 

What better time to think about turning your nutrition up a notch than National Nutrition Month®!!  This years key message  is "Get a Taste for Nutrition".  According to the American Dietetic Association, "This years campaign reinforces the importance of nutrition as a key component of good health, along with physical activity.  "

The American Dietetic Association's (ADA) key messages this year are: 

Be adventurous and expand your horizons. Variety is the “spice of life” in your food choices and is key to good nutrition and health. Choose foods based on flavor, texture and colors that are tasty and healthy. Explore the wide world of nutrition by trying a variety of foods.

Treat your taste buds. You decide how much and how often. Choose foods sensibly by looking at the big picture; it’s what you eat over several days, not just one meal or day that counts. So enjoy all your favorite foods, just try eating them in moderate amounts.

Maintain a healthy weight.  Managing your weight plays a vital role in achieving and maintaining good health and quality of life. Carrying excess weight may put you at greater risk for health problems. The good news is that healthy eating and regular physical activity make it easier to achieve lifelong weight management and long–term health!

Balance food choices with your lifestyle. Choosing the right balance of foods helps you get the right combination of nutrients. So balance your food choices with your physical activities to achieve and maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.

Be active. Be creative and enjoy a variety of ways to stay active to feel your best. There’s no need for expensive equipment or complicated fitness programs. Start by making a list of physical activities that fit into your lifestyle and schedule one every day.

For more information check out the ADA's web site at www.eatright.org.

 

Fitness Fun:

Take the "Work" out of Workout

(By: Kimberly A. Tessmer, RD LD)

 

Take the word "work" out of your workout and don't think of it as work!  You will be more apt to stick with exercise if it is something you enjoy and not something you force yourself to do or think of as work.  Find exercise that you enjoy.  If you love the water, take up swimming.  If you love the outdoors think of hiking, jogging in the park, or riding your bike.  Keep in mind that exercise comes in many forms and doesn't always need to be something you go to the gym for.  Try something new such as yoga, belly dancing, line dancing, rollerblading, volleyball, softball, skiing, or riding bikes with the family.  The more you enjoy your exercise the more likely you will be to make it a regular part of your life!