Nutrition Tips from the Twins

Written by The Nutrition Twins, elements Nutrition Experts

women's fitness

Tammy Lakatos Shames and Elysse ("Lyssie") Lakatos share more than identical features; they also share identical success in the competitive field of nutrition and wellness. In 1997, Lyssie and Tammy (known as The Nutrition Twins®) co-founded Healthy Happenings Corporation whose mission is to better the health of its clients through improved nutrition and lifestyle/behavior modification. Now, The Nutrition Twins share their nutrition tips with elements living™.

This month, instead of our usual column we decided to present to our loyal readers a “How Not To” Guide (that is, “how not to” gain those extra six holiday pounds!).

During this crazy time of year, there is no such thing as a routine schedule. However, it is important to be consistent in your eating plan. Don’t skip meals. Skipping meals will only set you up for a dangerous situation---a growling stomach that can easily fall prey to all of the holiday goodies that come its’ way!

Holiday Dieting Disaster

One of our friends who tried to lose weight during the holidays ate super healthy meals and only allowed herself a daily treat of Entenmann's Loaf at 150 calories. Imagine her surprise when she didn’t lose any weight. When we examined the packaging we realized that she thought that ONE loaf was 150 calories. There were actually 18 servings in the box….and each serving was 150 calories! Her treat was costing her 2700 calories a day-- not 150!! Eat that for a week and you're up more than 5 pounds!

Maximize the Joy….Reduce the Waistline!

Many parties offer less nutritious foods than are ideal, so do not show up to a holiday party with an empty belly. It is best to arrive feeling satiated, so that you can make a rational decision about what you are going to eat. Try having hot tea or a vegetable-based soup before you go. These choices won’t provide many calories, but will fill you up. Here are our favorite tips for sticking to a healthy eating plan at any party:

1.    Fill up on the healthiest foods---grilled meats, shrimp cocktail, fresh fruits and vegetables---and savor a smaller portion of the less healthy foods.

2.    Offer to bring a plate of vegetables with a low-calorie dip. Your host/hostess will appreciate it and you will have something to nibble.

3.    Have club soda as soon as you arrive.

4.    KEEP BOTH HANDS OCCUPIED. Keep a glass of water in one hand and hold a purse, wallet or keys in the other hand.

5.    Avoid chips, nuts and other rich hors d’oeurves.

6.    Before eating, decide exactly what you will have and take only small servings once, then leave the food area and go where you can sit comfortably and enjoy your meal. women's fitness

7.    Avoid “hanging out” near the buffet table.

8.    Avoid thinking about the food before the party, during the party and even after. You’ll make yourself hungry!

9.    Be aware that alcohol increases your appetite and lowers your inhibitions. This could make you care less about making wiser food choices.

10.    Try to lower the calories in the drinks by adding seltzer water, or by ordering virgin drinks. If you want to enjoy a drink while your friends do, have mineral water with a lemon, lime or orange in it. Or you can order non-alcoholic beer or diet soda. Keep moving: talk, socialize, and dance.

11.    Exercise is especially important when attending a lot of holiday parties. Of course, during the holidays time is at a premium, so “after dinner walks” with your spouse, family or visiting guest are a great way to burn a few extra calories.

Most importantly, if you stray off the healthy eating track, don’t feel guilty. That leads to all-or-nothing thinking. This is where you say, “Well, I blew it by eating that candy, so I might as well eat this pie. I’ll just start all over in January.” You already know this pattern doesn’t work. Instead, if you overdo it a little bit at your holiday party, then make your next meal a low-fat one. Or if you have a very heavy eating day, then make the next day a low-fat, lower-calorie day.

Happy Holidays and Happy Eating to all of you!

Visit www.nutritiontwins.com and check out The Nutrition Twins’ new book Fire Up Your Metabolism in the elements™ book club for even more great advice!