CUT CALORIES IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS

Susan Alvis

Christmas is right around the corner, so before you start planning your dinner party menus, and big family dinners, try cutting or burning more calories just in time to put the “Merry back in Christmas.” You’ll love these easy suggestions so much you may even carry the ideas over into the New Year!

* Out with the Diet Sodas and in with bottled water * Out with the whole bagel and in with ½ the bagel * Out with Buttered popcorn and in with Air-popped popcorn * Out with the burgers and in with a ham sandwich * Out with Regular Syrup and in with Light Syrup * Out with Biscuits and in with Light Bread * Out with Regular Dressing and in with Light Dressing or Fat-free * Out with Nachos in with tacos * Out with corndogs and in with a plain hotdog * Out with whole milk and in with skim milk * Out with Super-size anything because it leads to Supersize Everything * Out with Cookies and in with Fat-free Fig Newtons * Out with Supreme and in with Cheese Pizza * Out with mixed drinks and in with wine See how easy it is to cut calories? You won’t miss the extra calories and you will feel much better about your options. Take a look at how you can burn calories this Holiday Season: * Take short , brisk ten-minute walks at least twice a day , keep that metabolism working overtime * Don’t ride the lawn mower ( if you have grass left to mow ) get moving and push the mower , just pushing a mower for half an hour can burn between 200-300 calories * Mop the floors * Get down on your knees and clean the baseboards * Wash your windows inside and out * Play golf with family and friends, and then play golf again, and then how about more golf? * Climb stairs don’t ride the elevator * Carry your own groceries These tips won’t slim you down instantly but you might be surprised at the difference you will see, just because you are moving around a little more! The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year and it is also the busiest. Friends and family members are dropping in at the last minute, and you meet your children at the mall for a quick bite to eat and Christmas Shopping. If you must eat out in a fast food restaurant, be smart there too! Opt for healthy choice menu items: * ARBY’S- Have the plain baked potato and one of their plentiful salads

* BURGER KING- Have a salad with a cup of the best chili you can buy in fast food * KFC- Try the delicious Barbeque Flavored Chicken Sandwich * MCDONALD’S- Have a plain hamburger or one of their scrumptious salads * TACO BELL- Try a crunchy taco or bean burrito if you must have a more filling option As the season approaches full steam ahead, take special care to cut calories and watch what you eat going into the Holidays, think of it as a pre-diet or better yet, the new start to a healthier way of life!