Is dieting anti-Semitic? Comedian Wendy Shankar thinks so. She believes that to be Jewish is to eat carbohydrates; therefore, dieting is anti-Semitic. Jewish bodies hold on to weight, she suggests, because we needed a layer of fat to survive a long Eastern European winter or a stab wound from a Cossack. She suspects that biblical manna tasted like Krispy Kremes.
Amusing jokes aside, today is as good a time as any to get into better physical shape. It shows respect for the miracle of our bodies, and since we are created in God’s image, by appreciating and taking care of ourselves we are, essentially, appreciating and taking care of God.
What is the most effective way to lose weight? Eat less, exercise more and garner support. A big problem for most people is portion control. One latke is delicious, two latkes are filling, but after that, three, four and more are excessive and fattening. You can start right now, by reducing your portions by just 10 percent.
Treadmills, gyms, jogging and exercise routines are great in principle, but the reality is that these activities can be boring and difficult to maintain. Exercise does not need to be intense or prolonged to be beneficial. Just 30 minutes a day of walking can reduce the risk of chronic disease, and 60 minutes of daily walking can manage weight gain.
Support is the third and final key to successful weight loss. Whether you find a lifestyle chavurah, commit to a healthy routine as a family, or sign up for a support group through your synagogue or health plan, having encouragement from others is essential in adapting new routines and making changes.
Gideon’s Steak Sandwich | Serves 1
2 slices whole grain bread, toasted
2 tsp. mayonnaise
1 tsp. horseradish
2 romaine lettuce leaves
2 slices tomato
3 oz. thinly sliced cooked flank steak
Salt and pepper to taste
Spread the bread with the mayonnaise and horseradish. Assemble sandwich with layers of lettuce leaves, tomato and steak slices, and season with salt and pepper. Cut in half and enjoy.
Dr. Elson’s Power Lunch | Serves 1
1/2 cup dry whole wheat couscous
1/2 cup water
3 cups washed baby spinach leaves
1 cup cooked broccoli
1 tbsp. shredded cheese
1/4 cup salsa
Mix couscous and water in a microwave-safe container, cover and microwave for 3-4 minutes.
Place the spinach on a large plate. Top with the cooked couscous, broccoli, shredded cheese and salsa. Eat while the couscous is still warm.
Rebecca’s Personal Snacking Strategies
These are somewhat healthy snacks that I take advantage of during the long hours I’m at home alone trying to focus on not eating. By having a snack at 2:30 p.m. with my children, and another one at 5 p.m., I find that I’m not grazing on nuts, candy or cookies. The key for me is to mete out my snack onto a plate, rather than eating handfuls of crackers out of the box. I also try to pair the snack with a cup of tea or a glass of mineral water.
1 apple, cored and sliced, and 1 banana
3 cups popcorn
1 toasted English muffin or bagel with 1 tablespoon of jam or cream cheese
1 cup cottage cheese mixed with 1/2 cup of salsa
2 cups of cooked broccoli heated with 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese
1 cup yogurt mixed with 1/2 cup of cereal
1 sheet of “Everything” matzah
2 cups hot broth with 1/2 cup of corn kernels, cooked rice or pasta
Rebecca Ets-Hokin is a Bay Area cooking teacher and food professional. Her columns alternate with those of Louise Fiszer. Questions and recipe ideas can be sent to j. or to [email protected].