SeniorSeeker
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[size=x-large]Helping People, Changing Lives[/size]
Americans typically gain 3-5 pounds or more during the winter holiday season. From the feasts of Thanksgiving, Chanukah, and Christmas right through to the last drop of champagne at New Years healthy, sensible eating habits are forgotten. Exercise routines are often disrupted with friends and family visits and travel. This excess weight puts an extra strain on the heart and joints. For seniors this weight gain is especially serious if they have an existing heart problem or high blood pressure. Every extra pound of weight forces the heart to work that much harder. If the heart has to pump harder the blood pressure will go up. For seniors with diabetes weight gain makes it much harder to maintain blood sugars in the normal range.
How can you prevent wight gain, and still enjoy the social and family gatherings of the holiday season? It's not as hard as you think according to most dieticians. With some planning you can make this a healthy and happy holiday season.
1. Eat a substantial breakfast that includes protein. Protein takes longer to digest and helps you to feel full for much longer.
2. If you are attending a potluck function make your contribution a healthy one. A simple mixed fruit or spinach salad is easy to make and carry.
3. If you are attending a sit-down dinner, let your host or hostess know, in advance, of any food restrictions you may have. If a friend or family member knows you are on
a special diet beforehand it will make dinner a more pleasant experience.
4. Don't try to start a weight loss diet now. Save the diet for your new years resolution. If you cheat you may feel guilty and end up eating more.
5. Include some time for exercise. Don't just go to the mall to shop; go for some exercise also. Malls are wonderful places to walk, as they are out of the elements and
climate controlled. If time is limited try to park as far from your stop as yo can.
Low Fat Fruit Cocktail Cake
1 large can of drained fruit cocktail
Add maraschino cherries to taste
11/2 C. flour
1/2 C. sugarcane sugar
1t. baking soda
1t. salt
1 egg
Mix together. Pour into 9x13 pan
Top with:
1 C. chopped nuts and 1C. sugarcane suger
Bake 350 degrees for 1/2 hour.
Farina Dumplings
1 egg beaten
1/2 tsp. salt
Sprinkle of parsley
Dash of garlic powder
2 tbsp. melted butter
1/2 c. plus 2 tbsp. Farina
Scant 1/8 tsp. baking powder, mix with Farina
Beat egg slightly, add salt, parsley, garlic powder and melted butter.
Stir in Farina with baking powder mixed in. Drop by teaspoon in simmering chicken soup. Simmer until dumplings come to the top.
Americans typically gain 3-5 pounds or more during the winter holiday season. From the feasts of Thanksgiving, Chanukah, and Christmas right through to the last drop of champagne at New Years healthy, sensible eating habits are forgotten. Exercise routines are often disrupted with friends and family visits and travel. This excess weight puts an extra strain on the heart and joints. For seniors this weight gain is especially serious if they have an existing heart problem or high blood pressure. Every extra pound of weight forces the heart to work that much harder. If the heart has to pump harder the blood pressure will go up. For seniors with diabetes weight gain makes it much harder to maintain blood sugars in the normal range.
How can you prevent wight gain, and still enjoy the social and family gatherings of the holiday season? It's not as hard as you think according to most dieticians. With some planning you can make this a healthy and happy holiday season.
1. Eat a substantial breakfast that includes protein. Protein takes longer to digest and helps you to feel full for much longer.
2. If you are attending a potluck function make your contribution a healthy one. A simple mixed fruit or spinach salad is easy to make and carry.
3. If you are attending a sit-down dinner, let your host or hostess know, in advance, of any food restrictions you may have. If a friend or family member knows you are on
a special diet beforehand it will make dinner a more pleasant experience.
4. Don't try to start a weight loss diet now. Save the diet for your new years resolution. If you cheat you may feel guilty and end up eating more.
5. Include some time for exercise. Don't just go to the mall to shop; go for some exercise also. Malls are wonderful places to walk, as they are out of the elements and
climate controlled. If time is limited try to park as far from your stop as yo can.
Low Fat Fruit Cocktail Cake
1 large can of drained fruit cocktail
Add maraschino cherries to taste
11/2 C. flour
1/2 C. sugarcane sugar
1t. baking soda
1t. salt
1 egg
Mix together. Pour into 9x13 pan
Top with:
1 C. chopped nuts and 1C. sugarcane suger
Bake 350 degrees for 1/2 hour.
Farina Dumplings
1 egg beaten
1/2 tsp. salt
Sprinkle of parsley
Dash of garlic powder
2 tbsp. melted butter
1/2 c. plus 2 tbsp. Farina
Scant 1/8 tsp. baking powder, mix with Farina
Beat egg slightly, add salt, parsley, garlic powder and melted butter.
Stir in Farina with baking powder mixed in. Drop by teaspoon in simmering chicken soup. Simmer until dumplings come to the top.