If you gained weight in past Mardi Gras seasons and weren’t happy about it, there are some preventive measures you can take this year. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy offers a number of tips.
- Look for recipes that are leaner versions of the old. "So many recipes taste better if some of the fat and sugar is cut out," the LSU AgCenter nutritionist says, adding, "A lot of recipes, those passed down through the generations, have much too much fat in them." Cakes require some fat, but Roy says in many recipes, about a third can be cut, and there will not be any noticeable difference in the final product.
- Bring green salads to gatherings. Green salads are refreshing during the holidays when most vegetables are cooked, in casseroles or in sauces.
- Eat smaller portions. "This is one of the easiest ways of controlling your weight," Roy emphasizes, noting, "You can eat everything, but in smaller portions, and this way you never feel deprived." Feeling deprived is a surefire way of overeating when under stress.
- NEVER go for second helpings. This is an easy way to PUT ON weight.
- Walk whenever possible: upstairs, downstairs, when shopping. Park your car farther from all stores. Walk your dog instead of asking your children do it. Use any spare time to be more active instead of sitting in front of the TV. Work in the yard or clean the house.
- Volunteer to baby-sit your relatives’ children. Taking care of young children is active work. The children love being active and playing whether indoors or out.
- If someone needs something at the table, offer to get it. That way you have less time to eat, and you’re kept moving.
- Drink water before meals. The volume of water starts to give signals that you have food in your stomach and will make you eat less.
- If someone gives you goodies as gifts, pass them on or freeze them for later occasions when you need something special. You don’t have to eat everything at once that’s given to you.
Roy recommends contacting an extension agent in your parish LSU AgCenter office to learn more about safe dieting. In addition, refer to the Family and Consumer Sciences section under the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service at the LSU AgCenter Web site: http://www.lsuagcenter.com/.