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DEL.ICIO.USKeeping the fat out of Fat Tuesday…
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“When you go to New Orleans, you oughta go to Mardi Gras
When you go to New Orleans, you oughta go see the Mardi Gras
When you get to the Mardi Gras,
Somebody’ll tell ya whats Carnival For.”
-Professor Longhair
Well, it is time for my annual pilgrimage to the debauchery that is Mardi Gras in my hometown of New Orleans. And while my years of “Girls Gone Wild”-esque exploits on Bourbon St. are behind me, there are so many other vices and temptations surrounding the Fat Tuesday celebration that could make this coming Tuesday a fat one for yours truly.
Going home is always fun. My family is made up of some of the greatest Cajun & Creole chefs this side of the Mississippi River! Unfortunately, that means real butter, heavy creams, plenty of rolls and biscuits, and no second thought to the calories, fat grams, or sugars in a single dish. Put a plate of Crabmeat Au Gratin in front of me and I can polish it off in record time while washing it down with a bowl of seafood gumbo and a shrimp po-boy. But as bad as the food may be for me this weekend, I think the libations may be even worse.
Mardi Gras is not Mardi Gras without a cold beer or drink in your hand. A 12 oz bottle of Guinness (my beer of choice) has 125 calories. 12 oz of Bud light has 110. And a single shot of Crown Royal has just under 100 calories. In any case, it can all add up. Compound that with the fact that there will not be a lot of exercise scheduled this weekend, and those calories have nowhere to go but straight to the scale.
Perhaps I will test my willpower & see exactly what I can refrain from and what vices I will succumb to. Mardi Gras is a tough mistress & her power has lured me back to my hometown every year of my life. This morning I weighed in at 208 lbs. If I only bounce up to 210 after this weekend, I will be happy. With a little self control, this year’s Fat Tuesday will not be so fat!
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Drew Wilkinson
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By John Tackett
February 4, 2005 11:24 AM | Link to this
Drew. I know it’s going to be hard. During the Xmas holiday I usually make cookies, cakes and pies, and this year was no exception. Had to learn to make them “healthier” and to remember to eat in moderation. Did not gain a pound during the holiday season. The same goes for Mardi Gras.. just remember moderation, and if it helps, think about what you have to do to burn it off. Let your family members know what you are doing and ask them to help you in controlling your appetite during Mardi Gras. And who would know if you had water in your cup or beer (use a glass that is not transparent and no one will know your secret.) Just keep it up!! You can do it.
John Tackett