Be a Gourmand and Not a Glutton—Be Well this Holiday Season!

Be a Gourmand and Not a Glutton—Be Well this Holiday Season!

By Shawntay Warren

Be a Gourmand and Not a Glutton—Be Well this Holiday Season!

By Shawntay Warren

The holiday season is a wonderful time to enjoy friends, family and let’s admit it – great food. But even as we prepare to indulge in our favorite entrees and desserts, let’s remember that one evening, or in my case, one weekend of indulgence can have long-lasting and even harmful effects on our bodies.

Research has shown that the typical Thanksgiving feast can easily exceed 4,000 calories – more than twice the daily caloric intake recommended by doctors. After such a large meal, the body immediately goes into overdrive, trying to quickly process the food which in turn raises blood pressure and insulin production. The hyperactivity in the body can lead to very serious and painful health conditions that can affect you long after the last bite.

This holiday season, McKinney & Associates wants to encourage you to Be Well 24/7 by putting your health first each and every day. Being well is a lifestyle and requires great discipline and commitment to self-care, which translates to being a better parent, spouse, friend or loved one. Our bodies can’t afford a vacation from good, healthy choices even for a few days, so it’s best to plan ahead. The holidays are a special time for family and friends and it wouldn’t be the same without you.

Here are some tips to being well during the holidays.

·         Have a snack an hour or two before the “big meal” in order to avoid overeating.

·         Eat the salad or vegetables first.

·         Use a salad plate instead of a dinner plate.

·         Taste everything to your liking, but take small portions and resist seconds.

·         Eat slowly and participate in conversation.

·         Skip the dessert, or at least eat a small portion of it. Try to stick to the fruit option.

·         Limit alcohol intake or avoid it altogether. Limit intake to one glass of wine and drink at least one full glass of water.

·         When you’re full – stop eating! Avoid the temptation of “nibbling” once you are satisfied.

Five easy recipe substitution tips for your holiday menu:

1.       Try a low-fat or fat-free version

2.       Consider substituting sugar for no-calorie artificial sweeteners

3.       Go Skinless – remove the skin from the turkey to reduce fat consumption

4.       Use fat-free chicken broth to baste the turkey and make gravy

5.       Try frozen yogurt instead of ice cream

Author’s ID: Shawntay Warren is a PR Account Associate with McKinney & Associates and manages the BeWellWomen campaign, an appeal to a new generation of African American women to put their health first. BeWell is a clarion call for African American women to Be Informed, Be Connected and Be Fit and Firm because good health is the key to a brighter future.