AVOIDING THE "SEASONAL SEVEN"

The following article was written by WCS Health and Wellness Coordinator Ken Brooks

As the Health and Wellness Specialist for the school system, I receive many interesting comments when it comes to food.  This includes food that either I am eating or food that someone else is eating, particularly this time of year.  Normally these are categorized as either healthy or unhealthy.  There are those who appear to be somewhat curious to see whether or not the “health and wellness guy” is actually eating healthy.   

My view of health is a yearly one, not a seasonal one.  I also do not view foods in the terms of good or bad, but in terms of what I can eat more generously or what needs to be limited.  As I practice this throughout the year, then I am prepared for the holiday season and can enjoy foods that I normally limit up to this point.     

This does not mean that one should not have a plan during this time of celebration, particularly those who are concerned about any further weight gain.  The average American can gain a significant amount of weight during the holiday season that in terms of food begins with Thanksgiving and ends with Super Bowl Sunday. Commonly known as the “Seasonal Seven,” this can be avoided yet each one of us can still enjoy our favorite foods.  

Tips include:

• Create new holiday traditions that take the focus away from food (retracing the family tree, sharing photos and family stories, family dance competition, touch football tournament, etc.)
   

• Don’t skip breakfast before the big meal since this will slow metabolism and create a huge appetite for the meal.  Eat small, nutritious, low-calorie meals/snacks prior to the main meal.
   

• If involved in the cooking, make adjustments to save calories in the preparation process (sweet potatoes don't have to be candied, use skim milk in place of sour cream for mashed potatoes).
   

• Choose favorite foods this time of year that are not normally available the rest of the year and skip those that are eaten all year long.
   

• Save calories by skipping sugary soft drinks and teas so you can afford that favorite dessert.
   

• The holidays are not a good time to make the attempt to severely limit calorie intake, but sensible eating will allow for weight maintenance.
   

• Find time for activity, such as family walks, since the equation will always involve a balance between calories in and calories out.