Another Christmas has come and gone, whereby I could not help but recall the quote: “I love Christmas – I love turkey!” by actress Kate Jackson, one of the stunning stars in the original hit TV series Charlie’s Angels.
Now, what brings about this popular show after all these years?
Well, after a great week of living my life to the full, meeting my spiritual needs as well as enjoying my late night out with friends, I woke up on Christmas Eve four hours later than usual.
Initially frustrated by the delay, yet succumbing to the day after a good run, I switched on the television and, coincidentally, I came across a modern version of Charlie’s Angels.
Slogging through my chores, I watched one episode after another and memories of my teenage years came flooding in.
Like every other girl my age back then, being sleek, beautiful and stylish was a crucial aspect of existence and definitely, down to earth, Sabrina Duncan (Jackson) was the favourite of the three ‘angels’.
As I came across an article one day and asked how she kept slim over these festive periods, Jackson simply replied that consuming large quantities of turkey kept her away from the more refined food.
Needless to say, the good Christmas cheer brings with it a large consumption of food, sweets and also alcohol, leaving us feeling somewhat merry but bloated and lethargic.
However, looking back on last Sunday’s Urban Jungle Mdina-to-Spinola race and the coming marathon and half marathon in less than two months, the urge to remain in optimum health is crucial.
“You are lucky, you can eat as much as you want and burn it off easily!”
How many times, as runners, have we heard this comment from less active sources.
Well, I must admit that this statement is partially true, but, I also emphasise, it is the conscientious runner who is very careful about his dietary intake.
Refined carbohydrates, such as biscuits, chocolates and sweets, unless taken during or straight after training, can play havoc with your sugar levels, contributing also to unwanted dehydration, cramping, nausea and diarrhoea, and leaving one with less energy.
Food is there to nourish the body and to be enjoyed. So, choose wisely.
Ideally a sensible diet should be composed of fruit and vegetables, complex carbohydrates such as pasta, potatoes, rice and other grain products, nuts and pulses.
A good source of protein and fats is requisite, being derived from fish, poultry, milk and yoghurt, with an occasional intake of meat.
Listen to your body carefully and respect its requirements. We are all different here – what food intake is agreeable with one person might not be tolerated by another.
Within an hour after eating the proper food you should feel noticeably better than before, energy-wise and emotionally.
If, on the other hand, you feel sluggish and somewhat depressed, it is here that adjustment to your dietary needs should be made.
Try to eat before you get hungry and aim to eat small regular meals every two or three hours. This will help keep your energy and sugar levels stable throughout the day, as well as helping you stay focused.
As I set to conclude, I did try to implement Jackson’s attribute to my life in my earlier years but it was only at a much later stage that my subconscious actively brought out this positive trait.
The table gloriously set for lunch last Tuesday and with all the abundance provided at Christmas I looked back over the years and with plenty of gratitude for what I have achieved in my life and for what is yet to come, I must confess that despite the large meal with palatable delicacies, ‘turkey and roast potatoes’ was still my favourite course.
Meanwhile, applications from both foreign and local participants are showing an increase over the 2012 edition.
There is a limit to the number of applications that the Malta Marathon organisers can accept, so don’t leave it too late.
On Sunday, a good number of UJ M2S late entries were not accepted due to the limit the race committee had to set.
Happy New Year to all!