Dec
30
So you’ve gorged on pies, cakes, turkeys, ham, cups and cups of eggnog, and lots of other goodies you wouldn’t normally touch with a ten-foot pole on any other day, but since it’s Christmas, you have? Fret not. The few measly extra ounces don’t have to stay around your middle for the rest of the year! That is, if you do something about it and not just wait for the accumulated fat to melt away like snow at winter’s end…
First off, don’t even think of starving yourself! Crash and fad diets won’t help, because they’ll only wreak havoc on your already sluggish metabolism, and make you feel lethargic and blah, to boot. Not a very good way to welcome the new year, in other words. What you’ll need to do is get off your ass and start an exercise regimen targeted specifically to help you shed those pounds you so quickly accumulated over the holidays. And this is where the good news comes in.
Lots of gyms offer special post-holiday promos aiming to help clients get back in shape via fitness plans aided by able trainers on your road to slimming down. You will need this, especially if you’re the type of person who procastinates, and ends up with a bloated figure well into spring and summer. Yes, intervention is key, and a support group that includes people you actually PAY to whip your lardy butt into shape is best!
With physical exertion usually comes a diet sheet trimmed of calories and fats you have to follow to a T, if you’re serious about getting back into shape and losing that Santa Claus gut you suddenly sprouted. It won’t be easy, it won’t be miraculous in manner of Christmas miracles, but it’s better than a New Year’s resolution because you know you’re working hard towards a specific goal, and the end result is a much-improved, fitter you!
Dec
26
Yes, Christmas is the perfect time to go crazy over calorie-laden, festive food and to put off dieting another day…perhaps during Boxing Day, or when the new year has been welcomed with fireworks and fanfare? This, alas, has been the mentality of most people who, during the rest of the 11 months of the year, are otherwise very disciplined when it comes to maintaining their ideal weight. Come Christmas, and all thoughts of eating healthy fly out the window (or chimney, if we’re to stick with holiday visuals).
A few stanzas from a modern-day Christmas poem called “The Month After Christmas” underline this sentiment:
Twas the month after Christmas, and all through the house
Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.
The cookies I’d nibbled, the eggnog I’d taste
At the holiday parties had gone to my waist.
It goes on and on, bemoaning the fact that one had gorged on one too many lard-smeared bit of Christmas goodie and guiltily wanting to make up for it in a hurry, to wit:
So, away with the last of the sour cream dip,
Get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip
Every last bit of food that I like must be banished
Till all the additional ounces have vanished.
I won’t have a cookie, not even a lick.
I’ll only chew on a long celery stick.
As we keep reiterating in this blog, do not crash diet! That has never helped anyone lose extra poundage in a healthy way. Instead, step up your exercise plans and avoid being bone-idle, and get rid of the mentality that leftover Christmas food will spoil if you don’t eat all of it in one sitting. Most of them will keep for as long as they’re properly refrigerated (especially true with sweets). And for those you simply cannot eat for long stretches of meals, give them away! If you’ve hosted a party and find yourself with much leftover food, by all means, let your guests bring some home to enjoy. Believe me, some festive food taste especially good as leftovers, reheated or otherwise.
More holiday weight-watchers’ tips to come in succeeding articles, but until then:
Unable to giggle, no longer a riot.
Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet!
Oct
5
Is this you? Fret not. There’s hope for even the most out-there beer bellies when it comes to concealing them (though judging from the proud expression on this man’s face, he seems to want the whole world to know the size and girth and table-imitating capacity of his gut). First thing you have to bear in mind would be to shun wearing oversized clothes altogether. That is a no-no. While tight-fitting clothes are to be avoided like the plague, too-loose clothing will only make your frame look larger, and will still manage to accentuate your bulge. Go for middle-ground—not too loose, and not too tight. A good cut will skim your silhouette rather than stick to it like cling-wrap, and you’ll end up looking better-groomed, tailored, and sophisticated.
Speaking of sophisticated, jackets, suits, coats, and blazers are best custom-fit for that tailored look. Buying off the rack is always a hazard, especially if your dimensions are unique in certain areas (such as your problem tummy). Choose a design you like and tell your tailor the sort of fit you want. Make sure he gets all your measurements correctly, otherwise you might find yourself with a jacket that concaves where you convex, and vice versa.
As for pants, best choose ones that aren’t too high-waist and will cling to your pot belly like a girdle. Low-rise and those that sit on your hips are best, so you can breathe freely and not bring too much attention to your portly middle. Again, avoid anything too tight or too loose—MC Hammer-style harem pants are no-no! Also, if you feel the need to wear a belt, make sure the buckle isn’t as big as your fist. Otherwise, you might as well get a shiny neon buckle in the shape of an arrow that points to your gut!
Oct
3
So now you’ve shed some pounds, and are eager for some results. But if you look at yourself and don’t see the new you you’ve been aiming for, don’t blame the full-length mirror! Perhaps you need more time to keep with that diet or workout plan you’ve chosen, or else…and this might sound funny but…you’re still wearing your “fat clothes”!
There are a few tried-and-tested tricks of the trade to trompe l’oeil (a French term for an art technique, which means “to deceive the eye”) your body into instant sexiness, and yes, wearing black is one of them. But don’t just grab the nearest black-colored clothing on hand, because you also have to consider such things as cut, texture, and layering when it comes to slimming clothes.
For example, if you’re heavy in the hips and butt area, such as the lady in the photo above, consider getting a pair of trousers that are seamless, flare slightly at the calves, and are made of less rigid fabric that move as you move. Too-tight pants will only emphasize your heavy areas, so even if it’s all the rage today, please avoid skinny jeans!
And the best fashion tip for any body type? Good posture! Standing up and walking straight always creates a slender overall look.
Sep
29
I Say, Acai!
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They’re now being touted as the new “superfood” that aim to help you lose more weight via natural, safe means—which is munching away, as opposed to crunching your abs with tiring repetitive exercises, or going under the knife in an expensive attempt to trim away your excess fat. Eating to lose weight—now there’s the acai promise!
The best news about the acai berry is that it’s bursting with vitamins and nutrients needed to aid you on your road to effective weight reduction. Some quick and proven facts about the acai berry: its rich purple color is the effect of an antioxidant called anthocyanin, which fights free radicals in the body. This, in turn, helps stabilize your energy rate for more effective fat burning. And since it’s a high-fiber fruit, the acai berry also serves as a metabolic booster to help clean out your system much faster.
What’s not to like about this sun-warmed, pulpy fruit of Brazil? You can have it as a smoothie, in liquid form, or even as preserves. It’s got more antioxidants than its close relative, the blueberry. With the acai aiding your sensible diet and exercise plan (it’s not recommended to do away with those altogether!), you can fully expect to “reap” the “fruits” of your weight loss regimen with a much lower cholesterol rate, better-looking and glowing complexion, higher energy levels throughout the day, better digestion, and a stronger immune system as extras!
Aug
10
Smoothies To Soothe Thee
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Did you know that a fresh fruit smoothie has the power to boost your immune system? Fruit and veggies are musts in your daily diet, but if you find that a fast-paced life doesn’t have much room to munch on such produce, why not drink your fruits and veggies instead of masticating them in the conventional way? The smooth solution: smoothies!
Pureed fruit like strawberries, kiwi, bananas, and veggies like spinach have been proven to raise blood antioxidant levels by about 15%, as demonstrated by certain US studies. That’s a lot like taking 1250 mg of Vitamin C. Also, the natural ingredients guarantee your fiber needs are met. Since the fruit or veggies are diced or sliced before blending and do not require a pulpy mess for when you extract the juices for a normal drink, you’re getting all the goodness of a ripe and healthy produce in liquid form. Apples, bananas, avocados, tomatoes, berries…if it’s a fruit, it can be turned into a smoothie! Same goes for green leafy veggies as well as elongated ones like cuke, carrots, celery, etc.
A tip for weight-watchers, though: If you’re used to shake-like smoothie concoctions done with ice cream and then blended with fruit-flavored syrup, a fresh fruit smoothie is best for you. Flavor-wise, it isn’t compromised, and if you’re after a low kilojoule drink, the best way to go about it is to blend fresh and ripe fruit with low-fat yogurt or just crushed ice. Cut down on adding sugar or do away with it altogether. If the fruit is too sweet, you can add fresh lemon or lime juice to the mix. If it’s too tart, pour in some honey or unsweetened apple juice.
If you want a thicker concoction, freeze diced fruit on a baking tin for a couple of hours. Or get frozen berries. Frozen fruit are guaranteed to thicken up your smoothie and make them as tasty as if you’ve picked them fresh from the grocery aisle. Or tree.
Now that’s smooth!
Aug
5
Comfort Food And How They Really Affect You
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They say you are what you eat. So if you’re starting to feel as sluggish and as coagulated as a big bowl of chocolate pudding, perhaps it’s time to re-evaluate your eating habits…specifically the stuff you call “comfort food”.
Instead of calorie-laden snacks on a gloomy day, why not try these healthier alternatives? Research shows that, eaten in moderation, certain food can help bring about a more relaxed and calmer state.
For instance, those that trigger happy memories or associations, based on their presentation, scent, or taste, subconsciously connect people to their childhood or beautiful moments from the past. Mac and cheese, always a childhood favorite, has become many a grown person’s comfort food because it was usually served as an after-school snack. Today, however, make sure to substitute low-fat ingredients when making your mac and cheese if you’re figure or weight conscious.
Or have a turkey sandwich. Yes, you read it right. Just make sure the bread is whole wheat and not white to stick to your caloric counter. Turkey has healthy protein that produces dopamine and norepinephrine, which are brain chemicals that have something to do with you being mentally alert. Plus, protein is more easily digestible than carbs, so you can go on without feeling hungry for longer. A good turkey sandwich also helps calm you down because of the chemical tryptophan. It’s an amino acid that raises serotonin levels. Add to that the selenium coming from the whole-wheat bread, and you’re as calm and serene as a baby with a pacifier, while you munch away at this Thanksgiving staple gone deliciously healthy between slabs of bread.
Finally, milk is alway something good to pour in a glass and down, because calcium has been proven to regulate the tension and relaxation of blood vessels. So if you’re feeling a sudden rush of adrenalin, drink some of this pristine white childhood beverage. Remember when your mom would heat up some milk for when you can’t sleep at night? There’s some truth to that, because a warm glass of milk has about 300 mg of calcium to make you relaxed enough to harvest some Zzzz’s not long after you drink it.
Jul
21
Some Q’s for you to gauge if you’re not getting enough Zzzzz’s:
1. Are you the type who becomes unconscious as soon as your head hits the pillow? Y/N
2. Do you find yourself nodding off when you’re supposed to be relaxing for a couple of hours in front of the TV at night? Y/N
3. Are you always moody, grumpy, and easily distracted under daily circumstances? Y/N
4. Do you rely on an alarm clock to wake you up, and when it does, do you hit the snooze button repeatedly? Y/N
5. A cup of coffee is your lifeline every morning. Y/N
6. You find yourself overcompensating for sleep during weekends, because the rest of the week you are always burning the midnight oil. Y/N
Now, tally your scores. Count the number of times you said “yes” to the questions and statements above. If you have no “yes” answers, chances are you have pretty sound and healthy sleep habits.
If you answered “yes” once or more, you may be sleep deprived and need to review your current lifestyle. The quality and quantity of sleep get directly affected by your schedule, and other things that you don’t think matter. If you suspect a sleep disorder that is not easily remedied, consult your doctor.
Jul
16
Creating Calm In The Workplace
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Getting into a peaceful state of mind need not be the expensive, seminar-induced way to go when you really, really need to deal with stress ASAP. This especially holds true when you’re at work or in any other situation where you can’t just walk off and take a vacation somewhere far. Sometimes, a little mental adjustment is all you need to get through the day without feeling physically, emotionally, and mentally run through the clothes wringer.
First off, start the day by pacing yourself slowly. Whereas you used to rely on the alarm clock to signal your military-like preparations for the day, why not get up ten minutes earlier so you won’t have to rush around like a headless chicken? Same goes with driving: there’s no need to beat every red light or be all Schumacher-like on the fast lane. Leave the house earlier than usual, take in the sights and sounds of the neighborhood, and get to work on time with some more minutes to spare. And when you’re conversing with people, don’t say the first thing that comes to your noggin. Pause for a few seconds, think the questions over, and then give your well-digested answers. That way, you’ll be creating an overall calm aura that can be contagious to other people rushing about and insisting on being all hectic.
Also, to avoid tension from coagulating the duration of the day, try this simple formula. For the span of an hour, work for 55 minutes and take a break for 5 minutes. Not only will you feel rejuvenated, but this can actually increase productivity in the work place. You don’t have to go anywhere for such breaks all the time. You can simply ease your mind into screensaver mode and think about nothing. In this case, having a poster of something calm or visually pleasing would help wonders in your cubicle. Or perhaps a bowl with a goldfish or a lovely flowering plant can help. Just don’t overdo it, or the flora and fauna in your workstation might prove more stress-inducing in terms of upkeep.
Also, make sure you put your vacation leaves to good use. A two-week break has been proven in researches about office goers to be more mentally soothing and calming to the spirit, in comparison to those using up their office leaves whenever they feel too stressed. Before you know it, you’ve used up all your breaks, and the stress still keeps piling up.
In case this does happen, don’t blame yourself or try to heap your plate with more responsibilities. Seek help from family, friends, and colleagues, and you’ll be surprised at how much easier it gets when they’ve extended their helping hands. Just make sure you ask nicely and not be an ogre, or else you’ll be passing on the stress to everyone else.
Jul
11
The Top Ten Stress Inducers To Avoid (For A Sound Mind In A Healthy Body)
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A survey conducted by the Lahey Clinic in Burlington, Massachussets has gleaned that the bigget sources of stress for working adults have a lot to do with trying to balance the demands of a job and a family. They are the following:
1. Time pressures, especially deadlines and bills payment.
2. Feeling a lack of control.
3. Worry about one’s physical apperance.
4. Job pressures.
5. Health concerns.
6. Lack of joy.
7. Family relationships.
8. Friends/social life.
9. Lack of self-esteem.
10. Worries about marriage or primary relationships.
There are ways to cope with minor stresses, to be discussed more thoroughly in another post. Meantime, take a deep breath, relax, and take a mental dive into a pristine blue sea which mirrors a turquoise sky…