Pat Palmisano

Resolve to get a new you


This is the time of year we traditionally plan our New Year's resolutions. This year, why not make a different resolution and focus on the new you? It does not have to be overwhelming. In fact, it is very manageable. We do need to make our health a priority. At the same time, we can still eat many of the foods we enjoy. It always boils down to moderation and portion control.

- Avoid guilt. We know there is a correlation with the foods we eat and our health. Some foods help protect, and some foods are best enjoyed in small quantities. There are no good foods or bad foods, but there are good diets and bad. It is the overall diet that matters. When you eat a piece of that chocolate-covered dessert, enjoy it. Avoid the side dish of guilt that often comes with it. Food plays a huge role in our life; don't shortchange it.

- Focus on fruits and vegetables. Most of the time eat foods that are low in fat, high in nutrition. Focus on fruits and vegetables. These traditional side dishes should receive much more attention and priority.

- Concentrate on health. The focus should be on our health, not just our weight. The recipe for health includes whole grains, low-fat dairy, lots of fruits and vegetables, lean protein and fat and sugars in moderation.

- Work it off. Calorie intake is only one part of the equation. The other part is what we burn off -- calories expended. For many, it is not that they eat too much but that they move too little. So, get off the couch and change the channel instead of using the remote control. Return the empty grocery cart to the store instead of leaving it in the parking lot. Some people drive around the parking lots for 10 minutes looking for the perfect spot. By that time, you could have walked from the farthest spot.

Make this the year for your health. You will be glad that you did.

Registered dietitian Pat Palmisano is regional health promotion supervisor at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. Call her at 798-4202.