HAMILTON TOWNSHIP , NEW JERSEY –– As most people know, December often means that the workplace will be filled with sweet treats. People love to share baked goods during the holidays, as well throw holiday parties that are filled with festive foods we see only at this time of year. Even shoppers will be tempted as they walk through the mall and see the many traditional holiday desserts. Problem is, people often gain a couple of pounds this time of year, because of all these hard-to-resist foods.
“When someone brings a plate of brownies to the office, it is hard to turn them down,” says John Kuropatwa, executive chef of Spigola Ristorante, located in Hamilton Township , New Jersey . “But when that starts happening every few days, along with all the other holiday food temptations, those calories really begin to add up.”
In fact, the National Institutes of Health report that people gain an average of one to two pounds each year during the holidays. While this doesn’t seem like much, many people do not go on to lose it, so those extra pounds add up, year after year. After 5-10 years of gaining the extra couple of pounds per year, and not losing them, it can really take a toll on one’s overall weight and health.
The best thing to do, in order to avoid this extra weight gain, is to take steps this holiday season to avoid gaining them in the first place. Keep these tips in mind to help avoid packing on the pounds during the holidays:
- Exercise more. If you usually do not exercise at all, add some activity each day. If you usually exercise 30 minutes per day, add an additional 15 minutes per day, this month, to help burn any extra calories you may consume.
- Don’t buy or look at it. When you see the fancy Christmas cookies and candies in the store, avoid the temptation to buy them. Out of sight will usually be out of mind. Likewise, if you are at work, and the desserts that were brought in are near your desk or work station, move them out of your sight.
- Wait it out. Rather than instant gratification, if there is something you really want, take the approach that you will wait 15 minutes before having it. Often, you will forget or change your mind after that time, saving yourself calories.
- Limit your portion. If you do decide to partake, go for a small piece, by cutting it in half or sharing with someone else. Do not be afraid to ask someone for a smaller piece or to say no to something altogether.
- Skip high-calorie foods. If you are perusing the buffet table, skip the items that are loaded with calories and fat, such as dressings and gravy. Try to choose foods that offer nutrients and fiber, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, which will help you feel fuller and keep you from over-eating. Once you get your food, or if you are done eating, move on. Don’t hang around the food area or you will be tempted to pick at it more.
- Limit your alcohol. Many people do not realize how many empty calories alcohol can add. Each drink can be anywhere from 150-200 calories, so be aware of how many you are having.
- Be prepared. Always carry some healthy snacks with you, such as fruit or cereal bars, so you won’t get really hungry and be tempted to eat junk food. Also, never attend a party really hungry; try to eat some healthy, filling fruits and vegetables before going.
“Of course you don’t want to avoid all the holiday treats, and most people would not even want to try to,” adds Kuropatwa. “You can pace yourself, eat some holiday meals and desserts, and still keep your weight under control. The key to success is being aware and proactive.”
About Spigola Ristorante
Spigola is a modern Italian restaurant based in Hamilton Township , New Jersey . The restaurant features a full menu of traditional and modern Italian cuisine, as well as an extensive wine list and bar. The establishment also offers weekly live entertainment, events, specials, and daily happy hour, as well as catering services and private party facilities. To learn more about Spigola, visit the Web site at http://www.spigola.net.
