Focus on Health and Fitness by Bernard Moore, CFS from November 2002 Caller

November marks the beginning of the Holiday dinners. This is also the time that we gain most of our weight during the year, according to nutritionist and dieticians. This gain can be anywhere from 5 to 8 or more pounds that some people never really get rid off. You shouldn't worry about this statistic unless you plan on being a holiday couch potato. Taking a brisk 20-30 minute walk 3 or 4 times per week should keep your metabolism revved up for the holidays. Throw in 2 to 3 days of resistance training per week and you'll really kick things into high gear. Remember, for every pound of lean muscle you have, your body will burn 30-50 more calories even while you're sitting around watching TV.

The naturally occurring amino acid tryptophan found in turkey, helps to give us that relaxed and lazy feeling after a big meal. Along with that our pancreas is working overtime to produce enough enzymes to break down that large meal for digestion which really makes us feel like taking a nap. Foods cooked with a temperature above 118° destroys all life-giving enzymes which creates an even larger burden on the pancreas. Our bodies produce a finite amount of these precious enzymes over our lifetime and yes they can become depleted from repeated consumption of overcooked and enzyme deficient foods.

Remember, one big meal will not make you fat; several big meals can. By mixing the above recipe of health and fitness in with your holiday dinners, you shouldn't feel guilty about eating your lion's share. It's a wonderful time to have holiday dinners with family and loved ones. By all means enjoy it.

May you all have a happy Thanksgiving and may God bless you with vibrant health.