HomeMy WebLinkAboutLakeshore Advance, 2013-11-27, Page 5Gifts for gardeners
It is mid November and the
Christmas music Is already
blaring in the mall. I am not
sure that is altogether a bad
thing: there are those among
us who actually get their
Christmas shopping done
early and relax for most of
December, amusing them-
selves by watching the rest of
us drive ourselves crazy
playing a game of beat the
clock.
It is to both the early
birds and to the rest of us
that I address my 'garden-
ing' column this week, with a list of gift
ideas for both the gardeners on your list
end for the readers that are gardeners
ho are making their lists. Here goes:
Column
Mark Cullen
www.markcullen.com
Outside the Box.
Try to think outside of the box and
ask yourself 'what do gardeners really
enjoy?' Let me put it this way:
gardeners do not plant
plants in the garden so
much as they create an
environment that attracts
hummingbirds, butterflies
and song birds. We craft
quiet spaces in our yard for
reading or private places
where we can entertain.
When you begin to think of
gardeners as people
who are more than just
tillers of the soil, the
possibilities for gift giv-
ing become endless.
Gardeners love
images.
We are visual people.
— Mark Cullen appears on Canada
AM every Wednesday morning at 8:40.
He is spokesperson for Home Hardware
Lawn and Garden. Sign up for his free
monthly newsletter at www.markcullen.
con?.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013 • Lakeshore Advance 5
Holiday party tips
Laura Rideout
Special to Lakeshore Advance
Ready or not, Christmas Is just around the corner. With the sights
and sounds of this holiday season comes the food, booze and par-
ties. Not an ideal situation if you have a fitness goal or are monitor-
ing your caloric intake. Well fear not; below are some strategies that
will allow you to stay true to the spirit of the season while leaving
your goals and waist line in check.
• Never attend a party hungry! It can be hard to resist temptation
when you're not hungry, let alone when you are. Bottom line,
going to a party hungry can almost always guarantee that your
stomach will win over logic.
• Keep portions under control. This doesn't mean avoid all of the
season's treats; however grabbing a smaller plate will help keep
your portions under control. Alongside this, don't build a sky
scraper with the food you choose. Building "up" is just like grab-
bing an over -sized plate.
• Choose protein and fiber. Make a conscious effort to build your
plate with protein rich foods and foods that are high in fiber.'Ihis
will help you feel full for longer and will help control your sugar
cravings. Think colourful foods, such as, salads, vegetables and
fruit. Lean meats and nuts are also great options.
• Cut the fat. Try limiting fatty or dull coloured foods, such as, crab
cakes, pastries, even pita chips. Also try to avoid or limit refined
foods such as breads and pastas. These foods will spike your
blood sugar level, leaving you to crave even more sugary or fatty
foods. A little trick if you are unsure is the napkin test. If it leaves
an oil mark on the napkin, leave it alone. Warning: watch out for
fatty dips and sauces. It doesn't take long to consume 100 calo-
ries by dipping into the spinach dip or ranch dressing; even if
you're dipping fiber rich colourful vegetables. Bottom line, be
mindful!
• Slow Down! If you do indulge in a treat take your time and enjoy
it! Let the brain register what you've consumed. It takes approxi-
mately 20 minutes for your brain to catch up with your stomach
so use that time to tap into your senses (touch, taste, visual,
smell). The more senses you invoke, the more likely your sweet
craving will be satisfied before you overindulge.
• Skip the alcohol. This may be difficult, so if you can't, grab a less
caloric drink. Think clear! The lighter the colour, the less sugar,
thus the better it is for you.
• Socialize away from the
food table. This is easy
to do and will help elim-
inate unnecessary
snacking. Perhaps help
your host serve drinks
or wash dishes.
This allows you to
still be social, but
not sit around and
eat or drink. Your host
will thank you and so
will your waist. It's a
win/win!
• Water, water and more
water! Staying hydrated
will ensure what you feel is
actual hunger rather than
just thirst.
• Do a pre -party workout. This
will help aid in digestion and
speed up your metabolism. It will also you r
body crave the healthier options on the table and will make you
feel and look great in your outfit! Another win/win!
• Never wear elastic band clothing. This is a mental thing. You will
realize sooner that you are full and won't be able to "unbutton
the top button" thus helping you limit your overindulgence.
Remember that holiday parties are so much more than the food
and drinks. It's about spending quality time with family and friends
while embracing the true spirit and traditions of the season. Keep-
ing this and a few of these tips in mind will help you get through the
holiday season with your weight in check and your goals its sight. As
always, I'm eager to hear how you did!
Ina
ke
Laura Rideout Personal Trainer and Nutrition and Wellness Con-
sultant 1-rideout@hotmall.com
letter to the editor
Editor wins
community award
1)ear editor:
'Ihe Grund Bend and Area Chamber
of Commerce initiated an award in
honour of Dave Scatcherd last year. 'the
award, given to a local resident who
best exemplifies community involve-
ment was awarded this year to some-
one who feels embarrassed having her
efforts made public, despite her long
track record of promoting others efforts
for doing much the same thing for over
:to years.
Lynda Hillman Itapley has written
about community events in Grand)
Bend as part of her job, but the Dave
Scatcherd Community Service Award
was given to her because of the extra
mile she went in doing so. She epito-
mized the community in a community
paper. livery business owner at the
event has had her write their business
up when they opened.
livery service club has had extra cov-
erage of the event or fundraiser they
were running. Iler long, persistent
involvement In community activities
has given a sense of continuity to events
that allow them to progress from year to
year. l ler involvement in community
activities was not limited to writing
about events and activities, as she lent a
hand on many committees and events
as an organizer and volunteer. 'lie list
of groups helped by Lynda Is too lung to
be Included here, but since she has
been reluctant to snake news of this
award widely known, we at the (;ham -
her felt It necessary to send It to this
paper as a Letter to the Editor.
With warmest regards
Glen Balllle, Grand Bend and
Area Chamber of Commerce