December 21, 2004

With December festivities offering food galore and the holiday closing of the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center, UH faculty and staff members may find themselves at a crossroads between diet and exercise.

Not to fear, said Norma Olvera, assistant professor of health and human performance. Eating in moderation and remaining active are key to avoiding the Santa Claus physique.

“When going to a social event, it’s important not to go on an empty stomach,” Olvera said. “Eat a healthy snack before going to a party, so you eat smaller portions while you’re there.”

At a party, Olvera said to request smaller portions and opt for less fattening items such as vegetables and soups. Attend functions with a companion, so that socialization replaces multiple trips to the food table.

If attending multiple parties in one week, balancing exercise with calorie consumption is an effective way to avoid the post-holiday bulge. Eating less and exercising more on the days before a party can help offset certain indulgences.

Parties aren’t the only events rich with tempting delicacies. Holiday shopping and trips to the grocery store may also lead to overeating. Olvera suggests taking snacks such as fruit or vegetables on shopping trips to avoid stops at fast food restaurants or buying unnecessary grocery items.

Remaining fit during the holidays also requires exercise. Although the CRWC will be closed from Friday, Dec. 24 through Monday, Jan. 3, faculty and staff can still get a good workout away from the gym.

When the phone rings, don’t answer it from a nearby phone, Olvera said. Instead, walk briskly to a phone in another room. If watching television, avoid the remote control and walk to the set to adjust the volume or change channels. Also, if children are present, refrain from asking them to retrieve household items or deliver messages to family members in other rooms. Simply do these tasks yourself.

Household chores also provide excellent exercise, she added. Raking leaves, vacuuming and mowing the lawn are underestimated forms of exercise.

If the weather is nice, ride a bicycle or run to burn calories. Walking is also very effective.

“Make plans to walk during the holidays,” she said. “Walk your dog or make plans with friends and relatives to go on daily walks. Or, just make it a point to go for a short walk once every three hours.”

Some faculty or staff members may return to work during the break, and Olvera said walking a building’s hallways or stairwells is helpful.

Olvera encouraged faculty and staff members to also keep their children active. She recommended activities that require plenty of walking, particularly trips to the museum, zoo or parks. Avoiding television is key for both parents and children, she said, because watching TV often triggers eating and inhibits physical activity.

No television may seem like a stretch for those devoted to “It’s a Wonderful Life,” but Olvera said families don’t have to be devoid of home entertainment to remain fit. When in doubt, simply dance to celebrate the season.

“Turn on the radio,” she said. “Music promotes physical activity for both adults and children. Play music when doing housework, or, better yet, dance to your favorite songs and have even more fun during the holidays.”

Mike Emery
memery@central.uh.edu