Food, Glorious Food!

I would like some more sir. I think that's the famous line spoken by Oliver Twist in Dicken's classic book, and later in the musical adaptation (Oliver). Then there is the song that follows about the enjoyment of food.

Food, glorious food!
We're anxious to try it.
Three banquets a day --
Our favourite diet!

Just picture a great big steak --
Fried, roasted or stewed.
Oh, food,
Wonderful food,
Marvellous food,
Glorious food.

It's a great scene if you want to see the video it's: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqtkX46mlX8 with the famous chorus starting at the 45 second mark.

So what does this have to do with anything? HOLIDAY WEIGHT GAIN my friend (ho, ho ho!) The 5 weeks that go from Thanksgiving to Christmas, right through New Years Day comprises three wonderful opportunities to pack on the pounds. And how many of us maybe have 2 or more Christmas dinners to eat, plus other holiday parties at work or school.

Here is an interesting article on holiday weight gain (HWG) http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/11/22/the-skinny-on-holiday-weight-gain/ and there are many more that you can find just by googling those three words. This article points out that the HWG phenomenon is actually overblown, that the average person only puts on 1 pound over this period. BUT, and it's a BIG BUTT, an already overweight person is likely to put on much MORE than one pound over this same period.

My advice?

• Extra exercise, even if it's just walking can help off-set the extra calories.
• Drink water instead of _____ at all these dinners and parties. It will also help "fill you up" and save you from getting too many calories that you are already getting with the holiday goodies.
• Watch your portion size. Less is more. Believe it, and do it.
• Choose wisely. There will usually be a salad with most meals, maybe fruit too. The fiber can help control your weight, help "fill you up", and generally has less calories. It's often delicious as well. I am not saying you can't have any of "the good stuff" but also include the healthy choices when filling your plate.
• Consider putting this plan into effect today or tomorrow, a preemptive strike before the big meals. Wouldn't it be coolio if you could lose a few pounds BEFORE the big holiday eating starts? That way, if you do put on 2 pounds from the holidays you might weigh the same as today because you off-set that weight gain with a weight loss.

Good luck to you and happy holidays!

The flu shot.

Hurt a little now, or hurt a lot more later.

My kids are 6 and 8... another 10-11 months from their next birthdays and the older one more so than the younger one is VERY ADVERSE to getting shots. A year ago with the H1N1 shot he ran out of the gymnasium when we were 5 feet from the table to get our shots. When I finally retrieved him and brought him back and TWO adults held him down, he was fine with the shot. Didn't hurt at all. Actually mine did but it was no big deal.

What my son doesn't realize is that yes, it may hurt for 1-2 seconds and perhaps a day or two after you might have some soreness in that shoulder but ever had the flu? Depending on the type and the severity you are in a world of hurt, many times from head to toe for a lot longer than a few seconds or a day or two.

But try reasoning with an 8 year old! It's like a Democrat and a Republican sitting down to discuss Sarah Palin's wardrobe. Don't bother.

Now have you had your flu shot this year? No excuses. Do it! Need help finding one? School clinic, doctors office, most pharmacies. Heck, even our church had them for free last week. No excuses, they are safe... get one!