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Cathy Lloyd
Cathy Lloyd is an RN/RT who has worked in the field of nutrition and healthcare for 29 years. Cathy is the owner / operator of Piece Of Cake Nutrition along with her husband Kevin Lloyd located at 512 N. Broadway, Pittsburg KS, 66762. Piece Of Cake Nutrition specializes in helping people meet their overall health goals. They hold monthly weight loss challenges, daily exercise classes, and provide healthy treats, smoothies, shakes, and supplements. Everyone who walks through the door gets a free health evaluation. For more information or to schedule an appointment call 620-687-3924 or e-mail kevncat2005@gmail.com
Health & Wellness
2012-11-19 11:00:13
The holiday season does not have to mean unhealthy eating
A- Unhealthy food is a major part of the holiday season....however that doesn’t have to be. According to the new weight watcher report, the average American gains 7-10 lbs between Halloween and New Years Day. Many say they will stop on New Years but by that time the habits are formed. Instead people keep eating wrong and gaining more weight. Of course you are going to indulge a bit and it’s ok!!! You can eat those things that are not as healthy while trying to maintain or lose weight. You can be health conscious during the holiday season and still indulge. Here are some guidelines to follow. 1. CHANGE THE WAY YOU COOK: Why not use half fat ingredients? By using half fat ingredients you can cut back on fat and calorie consumption and it can still taste really good. Take a look at the way you cook. Do you fry? Why not grill? It tastes great and drops fat considerably. You can also steam veggies with natural flavoring such as onion and herbs instead of boiling them and drenching with sauces high in fat. 2. EXERCISE: Most people have a little extra time over the holiday season off of work. You should take this opportunity to develop an exercise regimen. This will definitely help burn off excess calories and fat consumed over the season. It will also help you establish a habit that lasts. 3. DRINK GREEN TEA: Swap your morning cup of coffee for green tea. Believe it or not drinking green tea will help reduce your stress mentally and physically. It contains many antioxidants which fight illness and inflammation and EGCG which has been proven to have thermogenic properties that helps to burn fat especially around the middle. 4. EAT REGULARLY: If you are going out to a big party or family get together don't starve yourself all day in anticipation. You set yourself up for failure and eat everything in sight which will help you put on weight. Instead make sure you have a good healthy breakfast and eat low fat, high protein, high fiber snacks throughout the day. Not only will you boost your metabolism and burn calories more efficiently but you will also be less likely to over indulge. 5. PREPARE FOR BIG EVENTS: If you have nights that you know you will be having bigger family meals or going out to functions, try to eat healthy the days before the events. 6. BALANCE YOUR FOOD OUT: When you are faced with a smorgasbord of rich fattening food, don't fill your plate with all rich high calorie food. Take a little of everything and include fruits and vegetables because their valuable nutrients will help you burn fat. Be leery of sugary rich foods. Eating them makes you physically crave more later, instead stock up on raw veggies and fruits to reduce temptation. 7. LEAVE ON YOUR PLATE WHAT YOU DON’T WANT: As young children many of us had it pounded into our heads we had to clear our plates. We feel obligated to do so and the result is usually overeating. Eat slowly and when you feel full stop. It takes 20 minutes for your brain to receive the signal you are full so slow down and remember you don't have to clear your plate. You don't have to say yes to everyone that offers you food. If you are not hungry then simply say so. Don't allow anyone to make you feel badly for your good choices. 8. INCREASE YOUR INTAKE OF VITAMIN C AND OMEGA 3'S: Many of us are stressed around the holidays with all that there is to do. Stress leads to the release of a hormone called cortisol and it can become chronically elevated in your body. Elevated levels of cortisol will increase storage of fat in the abdominal area. Vitamin C helps to reduce stress levels and lowers blood pressure and in return lowers cortisol levels in your body. Omega 3's have been shown to keep stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol from peaking. It wards off increased fat storage in the abdominal area.
 
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