Dec 12, 2017 —Health Matters for Women
The snow and holiday seasons bring endless gatherings with family, friends, and coworkers. Typically, holiday parties are centered on two things: being together and food. Between now and the New Year, just an extra 200 calories more than we need per day could lead to a plumper you.
It doesn’t take much to gain five to ten pounds. A candy bar on the run while shopping, an extra piece of fudge at a party, or camping out next to the buffet line are little things that can easily add to the holiday waistline.
Whether it is a company party, family party, or a night out with friends, there are steps you can take to avoid the traditional holiday weight gain. Don’t let the holidays get the best of the healthy habits you worked hard to establish all year. Try the following:
- Eat a healthy snack before holiday parties. This will fill you up a bit, helping you to resist enjoying too many appetizers and sweet treats.
- Drink more water instead of sugary beverages.
- Rest as much as possible. Even a 15-minute nap can make a difference.
- Stay in your workout routine.
Don’t go shopping hungry
While you are away from home, hunger and low blood sugar lead to overeating. Eating a snack, or light meal that is high in protein and includes fruits and vegetables will help you avoid the high-fat, high-calorie stops along the way.
Eat smaller portions
The holiday buffet offers an endless array of treats and temptations calling your name—you don’t have to eat them all. Trying smaller portions will let you sample a wide variety from the buffet. Make selections of the things you really want to eat. Include grains, fruits, and vegetables on your plate, limiting the space for chocolate covered deserts.
Slow down
Your stomach needs time to register that it is full. Take the time to savor more than just the meal. Mingling and conversation will occupy you with other things besides the feast, and give you the necessary time for your body to say “enough.”
Healthy holiday eating is all about being responsible. With these suggestions, a dash of discipline, and a pinch of planning, you’ll have a great recipe for holiday fun without the bulge of regret.
Ready for a New You in the New Year?
If you’ve been unhappy with your weight for a while and are looking for a positive solution, the Weight Loss Center at Bingham Memorial might be right for you.
Tammy Fouse, DO, general surgeon and fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon at Bingham Memorial’s Weight Loss Center, helps people take the first step on their weight-loss journey. She has seen patients return to a healthy weight so they can finally stop taking high blood pressure medications, put diabetes into remission, and even have a knee or hip replacement they were not able to have before.
Dr. Fouse will help you choose a nonsurgical or surgical weight loss solution. She sees patients in Blackfoot, Idaho Falls, and Pocatello. To schedule an appointment, please call: (208) 782-3993
Alternatively, you can register to attend one of our free weight-loss seminars by going to BinghamMemorialWeightLoss.org or by calling (208) 782-3993 to find out when a free seminar will be held near you. We hold seminars throughout Eastern Idaho!
Our content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.