HAHPN - November #4 2010 - Nutrition & Wellness Connection

• Supreme Eat
  
• Ruffling Some Feathers
• Food Exchange. Food Challenge

Supreme Eat
Hey, the holiday season is coming, which means the supreme eating season is arriving. One of three things will happen, but make the right decision:
1. Overconsumption of food, under perform (perform is used to mean play/exercise/move/etc.)
2. Overconsumption, over perform - this would tend to be rare
3. Underconsumption, under perform
4. Consume well, in balance, in control, and in variety, optimally perform

Doing #4 is your best choice. It most likely will be your most difficult choice of this season, especially if you do not already have an effective exercise routine. Most people are used to doing #1. I'll be brief: #1 is a scapegoat for developing or planning a "New Year's Resolution", which only lasts until the end of January anyway.

Ruffling Some Feathers
Go above and beyond your normal schedule or routine. In a time where schedules go awry, it is vital to maintain control of them; but you can still go the extra mile.

Let's right to the point again: Remember the meaning of this entire season. Does it mean anything to you? What does it mean...? These are just two questions to ask yourself. I'm not solely talking about the meaning of Christmas or of Thanksgiving. I'm also including what does your current predicament mean to you? You may be overly stressed, consumed by deadlines, mixed with family stuff, and burdened by loads of things that linger in your mind. Not to mention, the weather is getting colder (I think).

So, laying low may or may not be the absolute best option. Attacking certain situations are sometimes necessary. But, do everything with control, as I say even with fitness.

Food Exchange. Food Challenge
Eight. Eight days until Thanksgiving. In what is probably the most busiest time of the year for grocery and wholesale stores lies one of the most challenging times for anyone with a fitness goal. No wonder there are so many Turkey Trots before the feast! Can we make a deal, please?

Here's what I have: With nine days left, can we challenge ourselves to eat as healthy as possible as a pre-appetizer? That is, eliminate any fried food, fast food (i.e., McDonald's, Wendy's, etc.), substitute a sweet dessert for fruit, don't skip breakfast, eat dinner early versus later in the evening, and treat lunch time likes it's supposed to get you through the rest of your work day, which means watch the grease and see the beginning of this paragraph. It's only for the next eight days!

Your exchange. Try it (you may already do it): That instant oatmeal in the kitchen cabinet...yup, the one that is microwavable...in its place, if you're into it, exchange it for some whole oatmeal. Yes, the one that requires boiling water. Said even better; it's natural cooking environment.

Be well,
Derek