Getting back in shape

After all the parties and family reunions during the holidays, did you gain weight? Are you able to close the zipper of your jeans comfortably? Well, if your answer is "yes" to my first question and "no" to my second one, then it’s time to do something to change your answers.

Do something about it!

• If you stopped working out during the Christmas season, then it’s time to start again. Fit it in your daily schedule. If you go to the office at 9 a.m., then make an effort to wake up earlier and walk or jog or go up and down a step for 20 to 30 minutes. Have a regular cardiovascular activity.

• "Kumain nang malinis," as the saying goes. After all the pasta, queso de bola, ham and goodies, start eating the simple stuff–broiled or baked chicken, steamed fish, vegetables, whole wheat bread or whole wheat pasta.

• Eat frequently but in small amounts.

• If you drank a lot of beer or wine during the Christmas season, then it would be wise to stay away from them and instead drink lots of water or fruit juices.

• Avoid eating food with too much salt.

• If you feel you need more physical activity, begin the year by engaging in something new–yoga, Pilates, boxing, aqua aerobics. There is so much to choose from.

• Challenge yourself! Challenge your body! Set new, attainable goals for yourself.

• Eat more greens. Have more vegetables with whatever protein you like to eat. Choose the simpler dressings like a vinaigrette. Something not too creamy nor heavy.

• If you need to use seasoning, try Mrs. Dash’s table seasoning. It has no salt but it tastes really good.

• Eat a lot of fresh fruits.

• There are a lot of places where you can get good fresh bread. Le Couer de France has great whole wheat with raisin. It is my favorite.

Papemelroti’s restaurant along Roces Avenue sells bread they make themselves–freshly baked. I’ve tried their whole wheat with honey. I love it! You can call tel. no. 712-8106 to order.

I also buy Goldilocks’ Fresh and Bake. They have wheat bread, cream bread, cream pandesal and egg pandesal and many more. Their ingredients are healthier.

• Don’t take too much coffee; take fresh calamansi or dayap juice instead.

• Use corn oil or olive oil for cooking your meals whenever possible.

• Always remember to eat in moderation all the time.

• Your physical activity should be more than your food intake and not the other way around.

• Always bring a jug of water with you and when you get thirsty, you will not be enticed to take a softdrink.

• If you want a healthy snack instead, try Hai Tai or Luxury crackers, brands I discovered recently. I believe most groceries have them. I’ve been able to find them at Shopwise in Libis and Hi-Top grocery along Quezon City Blvd. My kids absolutely love them. I always bring some in the car. They come in different flavors.

Hai Tai has pizza three-layered crackers, cheese crackers and coffee three-layered crackers.

I enjoy Luxury’s calcium-enriched crackers and vegetable crackers and Hai Tai’s cheese crackers. Try them.

•Never starve yourself (yung magpapalipas ng gutom). This will only make you eat more when you’re able to. It’s better to eat on time and fill yourself just enough. When you eat your next meal, then your stomach will feel just right. You will avoid eating too much and also eating the wrong kind of food.

• Always try to get a good night’s rest –at least six to eight hours of sleep so you’ll have enough energy to do what you have to and still fit in your exercise regimen.

• Avoid too much beef or pork. Once or twice a week is okay. Stick to white meat–chicken and fish.

• Try eating brown rice. It has more fiber.

Being fit and healthy is not a seasonal thing. We should try to be healthy the whole year round.

So get up early, get your gear ready and exercise! Eat healthy! Get back in shape! It’s the best gift you can give yourself.

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E-mail me at: babyjackster@yahoo.com