Mix in a little activity this holiday season

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Source: Nancy Gyurcsik, 785-532-0703, gyurcsik@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Angie Johnson, 785-532-6415

Thursday, November 21, 2002

DON'T FORGET TO MIX IN A LITTLE ACTIVITY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

MANHATTAN -- Plates will be full this holiday season and Nancy Gyurcsik, an assistant professor of exercise and health psychology at Kansas State University, wants to remind everyone to stay active.

Gyurcsik said people tend to gain weight over the holidays and it is important to stick with personal dieting goals. She suggests eating a light dinner before going to Christmas parties to cut down on the temptation to eat high-fat foods. Gyurcsik also said that by eating slowly the brain will recognize when the stomach is full, stopping a person from overeating.

"It's something you have to really think about and remind yourself of," she said. "If you don't stick to your goals, then you will simply go back to your habitual behavior."

According to Gyurcsik, only 15 percent of the American adult population is regularly moderately active, which means they are physically active for at least 30 minutes a day, five or more days a week. With the holidays just around the corner, it's a great time to begin a fitness plan.

"You should start now, but start slow," Gyurcsik said. "That way when the holidays get here -- and especially during finals week for students -- you will feel better and not be as overwhelmed."

Some popular activities Gyurcsik suggests participating in over the holidays include taking a walk, playing tag or flag football -- even raking the leaves with family and friends. Exercise does not have to be structured running or a fitness class to be considered physical activity, she said. It can be anything that raises your heart rate.

"You can be imaginative and incorporate fun when doing physical activity," Gyurcsik said.

She also reminds exercisers to wear several layers of clothing when doing any form of activity in the cold and wind. Gyurcsik suggests wearing proper clothing that moves the sweat away from the skin, which does not include 100 percent cotton.