Thursday, December 19

Be Ready for the Holiday (Eating) Season

by JCC Staff

We are about midway through the winter holiday season, and there are still plenty of opportunities as well as plenty of pressure to indulge with food. 

It's not uncommon for people to experience weight fluctuations this time of year. Exercise routines are often disrupted by travel and other events while food portions typically increase and include more sweets.

All of this doesn't mean you have to experience an unhealthy holiday season. Here is some food for thought that can help you keep your weight in control.

Fine tune your appetite by asking yourself:
  • Am I really hungry? Many times we reach for food out of habit or boredom.
  • Can I make a better choice? Substitute fruits and vegetables for indulgent snacks.
  • Have I had enough water? Remember sometimes hunger can be mistaken for thirst. Reach for water first.

   Learn how to look at food in a different light.
  • Instead of a cookie exchange think non-food exchanges, crafts make time spent memorable.
  • Meet up with a friend for a walk or trip to the gym.
  • Volunteer your time serving food at a local community event.

    Have a game plan before you eat.
  • Make your dinner plate a salad plate. By eating a smaller size, you can easily save 150-300 calories.
  • Bring your own healthy dish to the party–this way you know you’ll have something healthy to eat.
  • If drinking alcoholic beverages, drink 8 ounces of water before and after each drink.
Note: This article includes references to A Prospective Study of Holiday Weight Gain by Jack A. Yanovski, M.D., Ph.D., Susan Z. Yanovski, M.D., Kara N. Sovik, B.S., Tuc T. Nguyen, M.S., Patrick M. O’Neil, Ph.D., and Nancy G. Sebring, M.Ed., R.D.N.

Thursday, December 5

Exercise of the Month: December

by JCC Association and Club One

Inverted Rows on Bar & TRX

Target muscle groups: Mid traps, rhomboids, lats & biceps

Benefits: Strength & core stability

How to:  
• Lay on back under fixed horizontal bar or TRX straps
• Grasp bar or TRX straps with wide overhead grip
• Keep body straight, pull body up to bar or TRX straps
• Return until arms are extended and shoulders are stretched forward
• Repeat 8-12 times for 3 sets