NEWS FEATURES

NEWS FEATURE

Five Ways to Manage Your Weight

For many people who wish to work toward a healthier weight, one of the greatest obstacles is figuring out where to begin.

These tips from SlimFast consultant and registered dietitian Maryann Walsh show it doesn’t take a drastic lifestyle overhaul to make an impact.

Eat Mindfully

Many people who struggle with their weight benefit from being more conscious about what they’re eating and why. For example, consider your eating habits, such as eating even when you’re not hungry whether that’s because it’s mealtime and you think you should eat, you’re satisfying a craving or using a tasty snack to cope with stress.

Recognizing why you’re eating is an important step toward correcting destructive eating patterns, but so is paying attention to the other details of the eating experience, including what you eat and how it makes you feel. Ultimately, this may allow you to choose healthier foods that nourish your body for the long-term, rather than the brief satisfaction that comes with less nutritious choices.

Consider Intermittent Fasting

One weight-loss method many people find success using is intermittent fasting, which involves abstaining from all food and beverages for a specified time period each day or week.

While going too long without food can sometimes lead to excess hunger then overeating later, in shorter, controlled fasting timeframes one can sol, which also raises insulin and can drive hunger and trigger cravings for comfort foods. In fact, that’s the very reason people tend to overeat when they’re under pressure. Light exercise and meditative practices can help you manage your mental strain. You might also consider talk therapy with a friend or professional or spend time unwinding with a book or music.

often more easily achieve a caloric deficit, which is required for weight loss.

Prepare for your fasting phase by choosing foods that support satiety. Options like SlimFast’s Intermittent Fasting line of meal bars and protein shakes can help avoid a sense of deprivation with tasty flavors like the Vanilla Cupcake Snack Shake Mix and Vanilla Almond Crunch Complete Meal Bar.

The shake mixes deliver 15 grams of slow-digesting protein, compared to whey protein, to help curb hunger, along with more than 20 vitamins and minerals. The meal bars clock in with 15 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber.

Manage Stress

When you’re stressed, your body produces corti-

If you’re new to the idea of intermittent fasting, these tips can help you find greater success so you can see results. Pace yourself Make a gradual transition so your body gets used to going without food for shorter periods of time before you work up to extended fasting periods. Stay hydrated Avoid confusing thirst for hunger by upping your fluid intake. Staying hydrated and energized while you fast helps keep fatigue and brain fog at bay. Options like fruit-flavored SlimFast Intermittent Fasting Energizing Hydration Supplement Drink Mix won’t break your fast and can help you add variety as a flavorful alternative to water. They can provide the energy and focus you need between meals and are perfect for those who feel groggy or run-down while fasting. Set goals Know what you want to achieve and why, so your “why” can keep motivating you to follow your intermittent fasting plan even when you’re tempted to quit. 

Get Proper Sleep

Poor sleep habits affect your weight in numerous ways. One is that when you’re feeling tired, your hunger and satiety hormones, ghrelin and leptin, can be affected, leading to an increase in caloric intake and subsequent weight gain. Additionally, when you’re tired, you’re more likely to take shortcuts like skipping workouts or opting for unhealthy convenience foods. All are reasons to make better rest a bigger priority.

Track Eating and Exercise

When you’re not paying attention to what you eat and how you move, you may not even realize how your habits are affecting your health. Logging what you eat, especially if you use a tool like an app that helps you see the nutrition breakdown, may give you a clearer idea of the quality and quantity of your intake.

Similarly, when you’re specifically writing down the time you’re committing to physical activity, you’ll find it easier to identify patterns and pinpoint where you can make adjustments to increase your exercise.

Visit SlimFast.com to find more resources on weight management and intermittent fasting. (Family Features) 

NEWS FEATURE

-tastic

By Michele E. Buttelman

Signal Staff Writer

Weather forecasts are encouraging for an improved winter snowpack this season, which means that California ski areas may expect new dustings of fresh powder at higher elevations.

Snowboarders and skiers can expect a “robust” snow season according to numerous “powder chaser” reports.

The best resource for determining where and when to hit the slopes remains the daily California Snow Report found at onthesnow.com/california/ skireport.

The California Snow Report shows the snow cover in California. For each ski resort you will find the essential information from its snow report: snow depths, open slopes and lifts, date of the last snowfall, today’s weather. All the information you need to choose the right ski resort for you in California. Click on the name of a resort to obtain its complete snow report. You’ll never have to wonder if it’s snowing in California again.

What’s New

This winter, you’re likely to find upgrades, renovations and enhancements at your favorite resort, including higher capacity chairlifts, more efficient snowmaking equipment, a speedy new gondola and even expanded terrain.

Base to Base Gondola Palisades Tahoe

The long-awaited Base to Base Gondola opened Dec. 17 at Palisades Tahoe. The Alpine Lodge and The Village at Palisades Tahoe will now be connected by a 16-minute ride across stunning views of the Sierras and Lake Tahoe. Spanning 2.4 miles and 2,000 vertical feet, the ride will be one to remember.

Skiers and riders will now have uninterrupted access to all 6,000 acres of terrain at both Alpine Meadows and Palisades Tahoe in addition to one more way to access the steeps and chutes off of KT22. You no longer have to choose between Alpine or Palisades — explore both mountains with easy access to epic terrain.

PHOTO COURTESY VISIT CALIFORNIA

Comstock Express Lift at Northstar

Northstar is celebrating its 50th anniversary and is marking the occasion with the new and improved Comstock Express lift, a high-speed six-person chair.

As one of the mountain’s most popular lifts, the improvement turns the four-person chair to a six-person high-speed lift. The updated lift will offer shorter wait times and more uphill capacity.

The new Comstock lift will be the third lift to have this alignment at Northstar.

Mt. Shasta Ski Park

Mt. Shasta completed construction on its new Gray Butte chairlift. The fixed quad lift gives skiers access to higher-elevation terrain and five new runs, including a three-mile-long cruise from top to bottom. The lift provides access to nearly 100 acres of intermediate, advanced, and expert terrain.

The newly opened slopes include the park’s first-ever double-black-diamond run. The ski park has also invested in high-performance rental equipment.

People have been clamoring for additional terrain at Shasta for a long time. Skiers and snowboarders are getting what they want, said Mt. Shasta officials. “The new lift and new terrain are going to make skiing and riding a much better experience up there.”

Mammoth Mountain

The resort has invested $5 million in new, energy-conserving snowmaking equipment. For non-skiers, Woolly’s Tube Park will offer expanded tubing lanes, better snowmaking capabilities, a new elevated conveyor lift, expanded parking, and a larger snow play and sledding area.

In January, Top Chef alums Michael and Bryan Voltaggio will open Vulcania, an American-Italian eatery, in The Village at Mammoth.

NEWS FEATURE

Fun

By Michele E. Buttelman

Signal Staff Writer

If the recent 80-degree holiday weather made you long for cooler winter family fun, it’s time to plan a trip to one of many California mountain destinations.

Before heading off into the mountains make sure your vehicle is equipped with tire chains and you’ve checked the road conditions. Make sure your tires are not worn and have the proper tire pressure.

Because Mother Nature can be fickle, be sure to check your destination before heading off in search of winter adventure. Snow can melt, even at higher elevations, if the winter weather conditions change.

Mammoth Mountain Snowcat Tours

Info Reservations (800) 626-6684, mammoth mountain.com/things-to-do/activities/snowcattours

Take a ride in a snowcat for one of the most unique excursions in the Eastern Sierra. Visit one of Mammoth’s most scenic spots, Minaret Vista, where you’ll see unparalleled views of Mammoth Lakes’ signature skyline and take in the spectacular views of Mammoth Mountain, the Minarets, Ritter Range and beyond.

Snowcat tours are operated by Mammoth Mountain and offer visitors the chance to experience the backcountry from the heated comfort of a luxury snowcat. Each snowcat holds up to 12 people.

Mammoth Mountain offers two times for tours on the weekends Friday-Sunday. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance for Mammoth Mountain snowcat tours. All tours are approximately two hours.

Choose from a Mid-Day Tour at 11:30 a.m. or an Aprés Tour at 3 p.m. Child tickets are available for ages 12 and under.

In addition to the views, you’ll also be treated to a light meal. erating hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Snowdrift Snow Tubing Park

34600 State Highway 18, Running Springs 92386 Four miles east of the town of Running Springs

Info (909) 867-2640, www.snowdrift.net

Snowdrift Snow Tubing Park is an outdoor family recreation attraction located in the San Bernardino National Forest and listed in the AAA tour guide as a Southern California Recreational area. Snowdrift is Southern California’s largest and oldest snow tubing park.

The park touts itself as being a place where families and people of all ages can enjoy clean mountain air and have a great time.

Snowdrift offers snowy slopes for downhill rides on individual snow tubes that are specially designed with a belly strap and handles. Beginner, intermediate and advanced slopes are available. At 6,500 feet above sea level, it’s a great place to enjoy a day of clean, crisp mountain air.

Admission is $20 per person per hour, cash only , and includes the use of a snow tube. Children 36” tall or under are free if accompanied by a paid adult. Parking costs $10 per vehicle. In season op-

Yeti’s Snow Play at Mountain High

24510 CA-2, Wrightwood 92397

Info (888) 754-7878, www.mthigh.com/site/ mountain/events-and-activities/yeti-snow-play

Make it a “Snow Day” at the Yeti’s Snow Play located at Mountain High in Wrightwood. Slide down the tubing lanes, meet the Yeti and his friends or have lunch at the Grand View Lodge located at an elevation of 8,200 feet.

Open daily through Jan. 8. After Jan. 8 Yeti’s will be open weekends and holidays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

With up to 12 different lanes, two moving carpets and custom tubes, Yeti’s Snow Play is the largest park of its kind in Southern California and offers an easy day of fun in the snow.

Yeti’s Snow Play offers tubing, sledding, snow play and scenic sky chair rides.

Remember to dress warmly, bring your gloves and appropriate shoes. Parking is $20.

See SNOW FUN, page 12

NEWS FEATURE

Fun

By Michele E. Buttelman

Signal Staff Writer

If the recent 80-degree holiday weather made you long for cooler winter family fun, it’s time to plan a trip to one of many California mountain destinations.

Before heading off into the mountains make sure your vehicle is equipped with tire chains and you’ve checked the road conditions. Make sure your tires are not worn and have the proper tire pressure.

Because Mother Nature can be fickle, be sure to check your destination before heading off in search of winter adventure. Snow can melt, even at higher elevations, if the winter weather conditions change.

Mammoth Mountain Snowcat Tours

Info Reservations (800) 626-6684, mammoth mountain.com/things-to-do/activities/snowcattours

Take a ride in a snowcat for one of the most unique excursions in the Eastern Sierra. Visit one of Mammoth’s most scenic spots, Minaret Vista, where you’ll see unparalleled views of Mammoth Lakes’ signature skyline and take in the spectacular views of Mammoth Mountain, the Minarets, Ritter Range and beyond.

Snowcat tours are operated by Mammoth Mountain and offer visitors the chance to experience the backcountry from the heated comfort of a luxury snowcat. Each snowcat holds up to 12 people.

Mammoth Mountain offers two times for tours on the weekends Friday-Sunday. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance for Mammoth Mountain snowcat tours. All tours are approximately two hours.

Choose from a Mid-Day Tour at 11:30 a.m. or an Aprés Tour at 3 p.m. Child tickets are available for ages 12 and under.

In addition to the views, you’ll also be treated to a light meal. erating hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Snowdrift Snow Tubing Park

34600 State Highway 18, Running Springs 92386 Four miles east of the town of Running Springs

Info (909) 867-2640, www.snowdrift.net

Snowdrift Snow Tubing Park is an outdoor family recreation attraction located in the San Bernardino National Forest and listed in the AAA tour guide as a Southern California Recreational area. Snowdrift is Southern California’s largest and oldest snow tubing park.

The park touts itself as being a place where families and people of all ages can enjoy clean mountain air and have a great time.

Snowdrift offers snowy slopes for downhill rides on individual snow tubes that are specially designed with a belly strap and handles. Beginner, intermediate and advanced slopes are available. At 6,500 feet above sea level, it’s a great place to enjoy a day of clean, crisp mountain air.

Admission is $20 per person per hour, cash only , and includes the use of a snow tube. Children 36” tall or under are free if accompanied by a paid adult. Parking costs $10 per vehicle. In season op-

Yeti’s Snow Play at Mountain High

24510 CA-2, Wrightwood 92397

Info (888) 754-7878, www.mthigh.com/site/ mountain/events-and-activities/yeti-snow-play

Make it a “Snow Day” at the Yeti’s Snow Play located at Mountain High in Wrightwood. Slide down the tubing lanes, meet the Yeti and his friends or have lunch at the Grand View Lodge located at an elevation of 8,200 feet.

Open daily through Jan. 8. After Jan. 8 Yeti’s will be open weekends and holidays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

With up to 12 different lanes, two moving carpets and custom tubes, Yeti’s Snow Play is the largest park of its kind in Southern California and offers an easy day of fun in the snow.

Yeti’s Snow Play offers tubing, sledding, snow play and scenic sky chair rides.

Remember to dress warmly, bring your gloves and appropriate shoes. Parking is $20.

See SNOW FUN, page 12