Healthy Holiday Tips

Healthy and practical tips to help prevent the holiday bulge.

Tis the season to be jolly with family, friends, food and drink! Research published in the Journal of Obesity showed that the average weight gain from Thanksgiving to New Years is anywhere from 0.8 to 2 pounds; much less than one would think. But if you gain two pounds yearly, before you know it, you have an extra 10 pounds to lose; and we all know that is not easy to do. This year be proactive and try following some of these healthy tips this holiday to prevent the holiday bulge.

• Invited to a party? Bring a healthy alternative: veggies and a holiday dip of cottage cheese, finely diced red and green peppers, and dehydrated onions or onion powder.
• Enjoy the sweet treat but cut back on other carbs during the meal.
• Don’t skip meals – starving all day in anticipation of a big feast just throws everything off.
• Pay attention to your cues – am I hungry? Am I satisfied? Listen to your mind and body to know when you have had enough.
• Go for the healthy options – veggies, veggies, and more veggies, preferably without the cheese sauces and gravies. Go for raw, grilled, steamed, or roasted veggies.
• On the road? Bring healthy snacks to prevent having to stop for fast food or fat-laden temptations. Fresh fruit, cut up vegetables, nuts, whole grain crackers are some healthy ideas.
• Avoid calorie-dense beverages. Go for sugar-free drinks like flavored seltzers, coffee, tea, water. And remember, alcohol can be full of calories so dilute your drink with seltzer and or extra ice and nurse it.

And don’t forget to MOVE IT!!! Wherever and whenever you can, work in a little extra exercise. Stop and walk around if going on a road trip. Do an extra lap around the store when shopping. March in place while brushing your teeth or waiting around for…whatever.

One last bit of advice, find support from people who can fill your cup vs. empty it. Support groups are available:

• For those who have had bariatric surgery, join us locally on the First Monday of the month from 5:30-6:30pm at the Rutland Diabetes & Endocrinology Center located at 8 Albert Cree Dr., Rutland.
• For those who have diabetes, monthly support groups meet on the second Wednesday of the month at:
  • Rutland Diabetes & Endocrinology Center at 1pm
  • Brandon Town Hall at 4pm
  • Community Health Castleton at 5pm

Cheers to a happy and healthy holiday season!