While we look forward to the holiday season and all its festivities, most of us dread the extra holiday weight gain. There are many social gatherings to attend where there are lots of sweet delicious food temptations. Well, here are some suggestions from Habersham Medical Center’s dietitian Susan West to help you make it through the holidays without the unwanted extra pounds.
- Don’t go to a party with an empty stomach. “When you are hungry everything looks good, so you might eat everything you see – healthy or not. Before you attend a holiday gathering, eat a piece of fruit or small container of yogurt or drink a large glass of water, so that you’re not starving and tempted to raid the buffet table upon arrival,” says West.
- Keep a “healthy” distance from the food table. Many people tend to stand at the food table and “graze.” A nibble of this and a bite of that will add up fast. Also, after you have finished eating, put your plate away, so you won’t be tempted to go back for seconds. To keep your hands occupied and your stomach full, sip on a glass of water.
- Fill your plate with mainly fruits, vegetables and nuts and stay away from dips and cheeses as well as sugary desserts.
- Go easy on the drinks. Many beverages, especially those containing alcohol, are full of calories. You don’t want to drink your calories, and many sweet liquids will only make you hungrier.
- Get moving. If there is ever a time to exercise, it is definitely the holidays. While shopping, park a good distance from the entrance to the stores and take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator at the mall. The holidays are one of the most stressful times during the year, so a little more exercise will help you feel better.
According to West, “Lastly, don’t deprive yourself of the red velvet cake, pecan pie, fruitcake or other quintessential holiday treats that you usually only get to eat once a year. The key to healthy eating is moderation. Enjoy a little of your favorite desserts while including lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet along with regular exercise.”
About Habersham Medical Center:
Recognized throughout the state for innovative award-winning patient care, Habersham Medical Center offers Northeast Georgians a full-range of award-winning healthcare services in a newly-expanded modern facility. In addition to emergency, diagnostic and inpatient services, Habersham Medical Center also offers a pain management clinic; a sleep lab; HCMC Home Care; the Total Fitness Exercise Facility; physical, speech and occupational therapy; a primary care clinic called Prime Care, WorkWise Occupational Health and more. For more information, visit www.habershammedical.com.
