Pharmacist, Author, Offers Tips to Avoid Weight Gain

Summer is here and many are in exercise mode, participating in walking, jogging, the gym and outdoor sports.

While some are doing these things to stay in shape, others may be doing these things in an attempt to shed pounds gained at the holiday table last year.

Yes, some may still be carrying the after effects of the turkey and pumpkin pie and the next round of holiday food is only five months away.

If you have already shed the holiday pounds or you do not want to add to last years pounds, there are some easy techniques to prevent those once a year pounds from piling on.

It is fact that cold weather causes people to hibernate indoors.

In an article released by the North American Precis Syndicate, Inc., Sherry Torkos,pharmacist, fitness instructor and author of "Winning at Winning Loss," said people are less active and spend more time socializing and eating in the winter time.

"It's no wonder that the holiday season can be challenging for those looking to maintain or lose weight. The average person gains approximately two to seven pounds during the winter months," she said.

Torkos has devised a three-step plan for preventing the pounds from piling on over the holidays:
1. Trim the fat from your next holiday meal.
• Have a full glass of water before your meal.
• Eat slowly. Give your belly a chance to send the message to your brain that you are full.
• Fill up on greens (beans, broccoli, salad) because these foods are high in nutrients and low in calories.
• Choose sweet potatoes over mashed potatoes because they are higher in fiber and lower in the glycemic index.

2. Use supplements to help prevent winter weight gain.
• Carb Control: Phase 2 Carb Controller is an extract of the white bean that has been shown to delay the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates (bread, potatoes, rice and pasta) and may assist in weight control when used in conjunction with a sensible diet and exercise program. Take capsules containing Phase 2 just before a carb-rich meal.
• Green tea: Boosts metabolism and aids digestion; good source of antioxidants; a great substitute for coffee.
• Fish oil supplements are good for heart health and emotional well-being. New research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids can help fight fat by increasing fat oxidation.

3. Stay active even when you are pressed for time and don't want to spend money at the gym.
• Do a 10-minute power walk outdoors or 10 minutes marching or stair-climbing indoors.
• Follow with 20 leg lunges, 20 push-ups, 20 squats and then repeat this sequence twice (15 minutes). These exercises work multiple muscle groups so that you are getting the most out of your time.
• Spend five minutes stretching (top to bottom). This will help ease holiday stress and tension, which accumulate in our muscles.
• Supplements are intended to complement, not replace, a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise and a healthful diet are essential for success. More information is available at www.phase2info.com.

Sherry Torkos, B.Sc. Phm., is a pharmacist, author and certified fitness instructor.
For more information, visit www.sherrytorkos.com.