The Community Word

We have all been inundated with the “stuff:” candies, cookies, fruitcake, eggnog and all those holiday opportunities to enjoy those culinary delights. The problem lies in that January 1 rounds the corner and our clothing appears to have shrunk over the holiday season. Then, enter the “diet season.” The resolution decisions to be more nutrition-focused, lose weight or to exercise abound in “water cooler conversations.” Then, what often happens is that “good intentions go awry,” resulting in frustration and additional caloric intake.

But, there is some good news. There is a light at the end of the weight control tunnel. Jananne Finck, Nutrition and Wellness Educator with University of Illinois Extension, provides some important thoughts as one makes those New Year’s resolutions.

Many weight loss programs and diets are found in magazines, newspaper and books. Diets are promoted through radio, television and even the Internet. But Jananne Finck, suggests caution when planning to start a new weight loss program or diet.

Fad diets that ignore the principles of the 2005 Dietary Guidelines may result in short term weight loss, but may do so at the risk of your health. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend consuming a variety of nutrient-rich foods and beverages from the basic foods groups and meeting calorie needs by balancing food intake with activity.

Fad diets can usually be recognized by promises made by promoters. Beware if:

• Miraculous, fast results are promised.
• No time or effort is said to be required.
• Claims that calories don’t count are made.
• Eating a variety of foods is not stressed.
• Claims are made that diets either high or low in certain nutrients have special reducing powers.
• Certain foods have special powers to cause selective weight loss (for example, hips and thighs)

How you go about managing your weight has a lot to do with your long-term success. Unless your health is seriously at risk due to complications from being overweight or obese, gradual weight loss should be your rule-and your goal.

Bottom line, according to information from University of Missouri Extension, you have to use/burn 3500 calories to lose a pound of fat. Fast weight loss (more than one to two pounds per week) reflects water-not fat-loss. Best bet is to eat well and enjoy exercise daily.

Note, before beginning ANY weight loss program, talk with your physician first.

For more information about weight loss and weight management, visit the Partnership for Healthy Weight Management website at: www.consumer.gov/weightloss.

Here is a recipe that offers a healthy but tasty soup option to prepare this winter.:

Split Pea Soup

• 2 cups split peas
• 2 quarts water
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup diced potato
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 tsp crushed oregano
• 1/2 tsp crushed basil
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt

Combine all ingredients in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 1 hour or until split peas are cooked. Remove bay leaf before serving. Makes about 8 servings.

Nutrient Analysis Per Serving: 204 calories, 13 grams protein, 38 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram fat, 0 cholesterol, 247 milligrams sodium.

If you have other nutrition questions, call Marjorie LaFont, Nutrition and Wellness Educator, at the Peoria County Extension Office. The number is 685-3140 or
www.extension.uiuc.edu/peoria.

Tags: diets,, split, pea, soup,, recipe,, agriculture, extention, office