WS Chronicle

Making changes can start with Thanksgiving holiday

To the Editor:

Before you sit down with the family this Thanksgiving and think about a second helping, you might be interested to know that according to research, the average American may consume more than 4,500 calories and a whopping 229 grams of fat during a typical holiday gathering from snacking and eating a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with turkey and all the trimmings.

Thanksgiving is the cue for what’s to follow, a December full of holiday gatherings and food galore only to vow you will give up sweets, eating out and exercise for two hours every day when the ball drops at midnight on Jan.1. 

A cold turkey approach (no pun intended), according to health experts, is not the best approach. Tackling the problem too aggressively, with overly restrictive ‘fad diets,’ or exercise regimes that they can’t commit to.  Often, individuals don’t realize they have many tools at their disposal to achieve success, but without that knowledge, they soon give up their efforts.

It is never too early or too late to start making lifestyle changes.  For example, during the holiday season, starting a consistent exercise routine, practicing portion control and activating your social networks to help you stay on track, can make a big difference in getting a jump start on your New Year’s resolutions.

The former assistant secretary of Health for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, John Agwunobi, M.D., M.B.A., M.P.H., and current Chief Health and Nutrition Officer at Herbalife Nutrition, offers tips for living healthier, happier, more active lifestyles, and to help get people on track in time for the New Year’s by reminding people to C.A.R.E:

*Create specific and achievable goals and resolutions. Remember, this is a lifestyle change that can lead to sustainable, lasting results.  “Fad diets” and gym overload are temporary and not sustainable.

*Activate your social networks to help you achieve you goals. Surrounding yourself with likeminded people can help you stay on track, including having people encourage you when you start to self-sabotage your diet or relieve the stress associated with weight loss.  Herbalife Nutrition Clubs are a great place to meet these like-minded people.

*Resolve to take action by making little lifestyle changes. It takes three weeks to make a habit, add fruits and vegetables to every meal, go for a walk, take the stairs instead if elevator, park your car further from the door and walk.  For example, just ditching soda in favor of water at one meal, can cut at least 150 calories and about 10 teaspoons of sugar out of your day. Weight management is a result of balanced nutrition and exercise. 

*Eat balanced meals that include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and proteins that will help maintain energy and curb appetite.  Many people find that an easy way to jump start their diet is to replace two meals with a meal replacement shake or bar.

Laurie Masonson, Greater New York City

Chris Fitzsimon, who founded N.C. Policy Watch, will be leaving

To the Editor:

It is a with mixture of emotions that I write to tell you that Chris Fitzsimon, the founding director of NC Policy Watch, will be leaving the project after 13 amazingly productive years.

As you all are well aware, Chris is an institution in North Carolina policy and journalism circles. For more than three decades Chris has served as a passionate, powerful and relentless voice for justice in our state.

Now, in a development that serves as a tremendous validation of Chris’s remarkable work, he has been asked to help take the Policy Watch model national.

Later this month, Chris will start work for The Newsroom, a new nonprofit incubator. 

Rick Glazier, Executive Director, North Carolina Justice Center, Raleigh