A monthly column on diet, exercise and my weight loss journey.
Weight loss and the holidays is my most challenging time of year. Is it the same for you? I love all the events, the time with family, the time off work – but oh the caloric temptations.
I love that people make a lot of gifts at home, in the kitchen, but a lot of times those extras make their way into the break room at work. Oh, the temptation. It looks so good, and it’s the holidays, and it’s small, and then I have eaten seven.
However, I confess, I’m guilty in the other direction also. When my wife Sheryl says, “Hey honey, take these to work so they doesn’t tempt us”, I’m just following orders.
So, instead of sugary treats, we are hoping to stock up on citrus this year after reading in the Journal of Lipid Research that citrus fruits, like tangerines and oranges, increase weight loss and stop the development of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Another weight loss tip I found involves one of my favorite things – Music! According to research journal, Psychological Reports, when music is played during a meal, diners eat about 18 percent less and report enjoying their food more.
So, is there a place for chocolate in a healthy diet? An article in the FASEB Journal, a medical research publication, says – yes … for breakfast! Put down that bran muffin and pick up a Hershey bar. Eating chocolate in the first hour of the day could boost fat loss and lower blood sugar. A study found that consuming 3.5 ounces of chocolate within an hour of waking up helps with burning fat, reducing blood glucose levels, and decreasing stress. (Note to self- 3.5 ounces is NOT the whole bar.)
How has your weight loss journey been going? Is someone helping you stay healthy? It’s hard to go it alone. Remember, if you need help, I recommend the people who have helped me and my wife lose weight, Dr. Lodge and the staff at Cool Springs MD.
So – here’s hoping we all can keep our head in the weight loss game over the holidays. My challenge will be to remain disciplined to exercise portion control. I don’t want to feel deprived but I can’t over indulge. What’s your biggest challenge over the holidays?
This monthly column is a two-way street. I would love to hear from you. What has helped you lose weight? Any tips you would like to share? I welcome your feedback, thoughts and ideas and look forward to sharing them in a future article. You can email me at [email protected] or feel free to call me during my live radio show – weekdays between 3 pm – 7 pm on 94 FM The Fish. (800) 826-3637
