| Focus December 1, 2002
'Tis the Season...to Indulge!
Let’s face it girls, the old saying "Christmas
comes but once a year" is more than just a clever catch phrase. It’s the truth.
And along with this annual festive season comes the temptation to overindulge in an
abundance of great-tasting holiday treats.
Every year I hear people say they are bound and determined
to resist the temptations. The media is always there to back up their righteous intentions
with tips on how to eat sensibly during the holiday season. I’ll admit I am guilty of
making past resolutions to resist eating the wrong things during the holidays -- but this
year I’ve wised up. This year I am going to be realistic. After all, it’s good
food and I’m going to enjoy it without feeling guilty. With the dates for both
national shows and most provincial shows confirmed (see CBBF.net for more details), there is going to be plenty of time to be
strict with my diet, but Christmas isn’t going to be one of them.
So here’s my Christmas diet resolve for 2002:
- If is looks good, smells good or looks like it might taste
good, I’m going to eat it.
- If it is loaded with way too much butter, sugar or salt, I’m
there.
- If it is on the Christmas table, whether it is basted,
fried, broiled or baked, I’m for it.
- And what’s more, I’m not even going to think
twice about it.
The important thing to consider, especially when first
starting out in fitness, is that we try to be so strict with our diets that our intentions
often end up backfiring. But if you map out your intentions in advance, you can enjoy the
holiday season and be that much more focused in your diet come January. What’s more,
if you deprive yourself too much during this time of temptation, you’ll probably make
up for it at a time when you can’t afford to cheat (like just before a show).
In my opinion there’s an obvious reason why shows are
not scheduled right after the holiday season. It’s because there would be very few
competitors, and those who did compete would probably bear a slight physical resemblance
to good old Saint Nick. Now having said all this, the one thing that I will maintain is a
"return date" -- meaning, I will have a date in mind when I must return to my
training diet. Otherwise, who knows, the Christmas season might last year-round.
On that note, here’s a recipe for my favorite holiday
treat. And believe me, there’s nothing low-cal about this. If you have any favorite
recipes you’d like to share, please send them my way and I’ll be sure to post
them on the site for all to enjoy. After all, fitness competitors are the best resources
when it comes to the fine art of appreciating great tasting food.
Peanut-butter marshmallow squares
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 (11 ounce) package butterscotch chips
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup flaked coconut
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 3-1/2 ounces colored miniature marshmallows
Directions:
- In the lower pot of a double boiler, add water halfway to
top and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer. In the top of the double boiler, combine
the butter, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter and heat over the simmering water until
melted. Remove from heat.
- Stir in coconut, walnuts and marshmallows.
- Pour mixture in buttered pan, refrigerate, and then cut into
squares.
- Store in the refrigerator.
- Eat and enjoy!
From myself and the rest of the gang at
seriousaboutfitness.com, eat, drink and be merry this holiday season! After all, the
competitive season is just around the corner.
...Denyse Johnson
denyse@seriousaboutfitness.com |
