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December 9, 2004
Prairie Fare: A Healthy Visit with Santa Claus
I saw Santa out at the mall the other day, but I didn’t get a chance to visit with him. He was busy chatting with all the boys and girls. As we know, Santa isn’t exactly “svelte.” In our weight conscious society, maybe Santa is a little concerned about his girth, too. How many of us would like it published that our belly shakes like a bowl full of jelly when we laugh? If I were Santa’s dietitian, our conversation might go something like this: “Julie, my red suit is getting a little tight, and I’d like to shed a few pounds. Little Suzie’s dad lost 30 pounds on the Atkin’s diet and young Bobby’s mom lost 20 pounds on the South Beach diet. Last year people were leaving out low-carb snacks. They tasted like cardboard. Even Rudolph complained. Are carbohydrates really bad for you?” “Santa, there are no ‘good’ or ‘bad’ foods. All foods, including your favorite cookies and candy, can fit in a healthy diet. Foods are a mixture of protein, fat and carbohydrate. Whole grains, fruits and vegetables are healthier carb choices.” “But when I took a break from typing up my spreadsheet of good kids, I hopped online and I read something about medical research showing that high protein/low carbohydrate diets work,” Santa said. “Yes, one of the research studies got a lot of press coverage,” I replied. “It was a fairly short-term study that didn’t have a lot of participants. Their diets were lower in calories than they were burning, so people lost weight. No long-term studies have been published. Scientists don’t know all the answers yet.” “But, Julie, I can’t wait around for scientists to do all these studies. If I keep gaining weight, I’m going to have to hire an extra reindeer to launch my sleigh,” Santa exclaimed. “We need to talk about overall health, too, Santa. If you dieted down to a size 34 suit, you wouldn’t necessarily be healthier. High protein diets are high in fat, especially saturated fat. Diets high in saturated fat are linked with heart disease. Not to be grim around the holidays, Santa, but heart disease is the leading cause of death among men and women.” “OK, I’m listening now. I’m built like a plump apple with spindly legs and I know that puts me at greater risk for heart disease,” Santa said. “High protein diets may also place stress on the kidneys, and that’s especially a concern for those with diabetes or kidney problems. High protein diets are low in fiber and fiber-rich diets may help prevent certain types of cancer, like colon cancer. Plus, low fiber diets also can leave you constipated,” I told him. “Don’t need that,” Santa replied with a ho ho ho. “OK, I’ll steer clear of these diets, but I still need to trim down a little. Mrs. Claus and I are going to the Bahamas in February.” “Santa, you have time to lose weight sensibly. If you lose weight at the rate of a pound or two a week, it’s more likely to stay off. You might want to visit with one of the dietitians at the North Pole, too. And be sure to see a doctor about your overall health, especially before you start exercising.” “Exercise, too?” Santa exclaimed with mock alarm. “Santa, I’m trying not to earn a lump of coal in my stocking, but, bottom line, you need to eat less and get more physical activity if you want to fit in your suit. Try eating one cookie instead of two at every house. Take Rudolph for a walk more often. You might want to check out the nutrition resources at this Web site the next time you’re surfing for health information: www.niddk.nih.gov/health/ “Here’s an easy recipe for you and Mrs. Claus to enjoy with some fresh, crispy red and green apples!”
### Source:
Julie Garden-Robinson, (701) 231-7187, jgardenr@ndsuext.nodak.edu |
Market Advisor: |
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North Dakota State University |
