fit without sacrificing nutrition or meals. Remember you should always consult your physician
or healthcare provider before you start any serious exorcise or diet regime. Information found
here should never replace your doctor's advice or care.
This month........
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT TIPS
By, Lisa Kirkman, M.S., R.D.
Dance is an art in which the body is the picture. The nature of this art causes a dancer to be conscious
of his or her body shape, and manage a healthy weight. If you are at an appropriate weight, then make
sure you are getting proper nutrition to maintain that weight. For example, eating only a bowl of Special
K for breakfast, lunch, and dinner to maintain weight is not healthy. If you need to lose weight, then do
so in a healthy way without starving yourself or depriving your body of the nutrition it needs. The
following are some tips for healthy weight management.
Avoid “diets.” Following diets such as The Zone or other high protein diets may work temporarily, but
do not work for the long term. In fact, these are diets you would not want to follow for the long term
because they can be dangerous to your health. One reason is that eating such high levels of protein
can put stress on your kidneys.
Write down what you eat. This will make you aware of what you are eating. Add the nutritious foods
that are missing, and reduce or eliminate foods providing “empty calories” (foods high in calories with
little nutritional value).
Eat a variety of foods. Watch out for “diets” that eliminate certain foods or food groups. Eat according
to the Food Guide Pyramid to get all the essential nutrients your body needs.
Increase your fiber intake. Eat more whole grain breads and cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables, and
beans and legumes. This will help you feel fuller and help stabilize your blood sugar.
Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water per day. This helps you feel fuller, helps you body break down fat
more efficiently, and gets rid of waste products.
Increase activity. This not only helps expend more calories, but it also helps combat the slowing of your
metabolism that occurs when you decrease your caloric intake.
These are some basic tips to get you started. If you struggle with losing a few pound, or managing a
steady weight,
