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[av_heading heading=’FEEL THE GAME BOBBY MOTUS’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”][/av_heading]
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IT’S THAT TIME of the year again where binge-eating is almost normal. We find ways and reasons to pig out because it’s the holiday season. Not only do we eat the once-a-year preparations but we also imbibe alcoholic beverages. It becomes a challenge to find time for fitness.
We did our holiday shopping and carried our bagful of goodies from the supermarket to the parking lot. That was some weight-bearing exercise already that we felt our arm muscles tense. Using the stairs instead of the elevators or escalators strengthens our legs and climbing up and down staircases do help in digesting all the holiday treats we had eaten. Aside from improving our muscles, it also strengthens our heart and lungs.
Experts say it is advisable to eat slowly as it makes us think of what we’re stuffing inside our mouths. But sensible eating at these times is wishful thinking. We had gorged on high-calorie food and swam in alcohol.
After all those empty calories, let’s go fiber and shift to wheat-based products, nuts, beans, and legumes. Hit on fruits and vegetables, especially the red, yellow and green ones. Instead of juices, go for real fruits. Even the advertised “100 percent” juices lose their nutrients during processing and we consume added sugars. Actual fruits are high in vitamin C, fiber, folic acid, and potassium, and they are low in calories and sodium.
Dietary guidelines say men can have two drinks a day while women, one. A drink is equal to a bottle of beer (not the SMB Grande), a shot of liquor or a glass of wine. Just because you haven’t had a drink from Monday to Friday does not mean that you will be having five drinks on Saturday. Remember that alcohol impairs the senses and makes a monster out of the missus. A little alcohol is good for the heart, lessens stress and, yes, improves the bedroom adventure.
The older generation needs at least seven hours of sleep. Holiday parties are an almost daily occurrence that our sleep patterns and habits are compromised. Going to bed and rising up at the same time makes us productive during the day. We know we had a good night’s rest when we feel refreshed without the need for stimulants. On the flip side, lack of sleep is a stress factory, spikes blood pressure and other diseases. Drowsiness is an invitation for accidents.
Everyone’s body structure is different and we do things according to our level of comfort. Let’s try to make some effort to shed those gained poundage from the heavy eating. Be active and on the move. Getting our heart rate up for at least half an hour through exercise is a proven way to improve our well-being. It is fun and a little effort is better than none at all.
Meanwhile, let’s spare some more room for the planned New Year celebrations and enjoy all the pork varieties prepared – from lechon to hamonada to chicharon./PN
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