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Well laid
plans to do healthy eating go sailing out of the window during the holiday
season. We forget about our health and diet, and instead, take the
opportunity to over-indulge in every way possible.
According to
a recent Weight Watchers report, the average American gains around 7-10
pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. And then we have trouble
getting rid of the new weight. Food and festivities are a huge part of
the holidays and that is wonderful. But we have challenges to deal with
the stress of eating right but enjoying the season. Here are some tips
from BetterHealthUSA on how to survive.
Tips on
eating healthy during the holiday season. There are many ways to help you
maintain and yet have fun.
- Exercise:
This gets more challenging during the holidays but develop a regular
exercise regime. It will help to burn off the excess calories and fat
consumed.
- Review
your cooking methods: Instead of frying, grill your food. When
roasting, us low-calorie spray oils. Steam vegetables.
- Invest in
lower fat ingredients for cooking: use half-fat alternatives….you won’t
be able to tell the difference.
- Eat
regularly: Don’t starve yourself and then go to that party…you’ll
overindulge.
- Prepare
for outings: If you have some big plans, try to eat healthy on the days
around the event…don’t forget about your diet just because of some
parties.
- Balance
your meals out: Don’t be tempted to fill your plate with rich,
calorie-laden food. Balance with fruit and vegetables to give you some
nutrients.
- Be way of
sugary foods: Remember rich and sugary foods tend to make us crave more
of the same. You then feel bloated, sick and uncomfortable.
- Stock up
on healthy snacks: when shopping, be sure to get some healthy snacks for
home.
- Be aware
of food allergies: you might have an intolerance to a food and not know
it. We eat lots of foods without knowing the ingredients. If you
continue to have problems, you might want to have a food allergy test.
- Moderate
alcohol intake: don’t forget that alcohol is fattening too.
- Be
assertive: Don’t feel as though you have to say yes to everyone that
offers you food and drink.
- Leave
what you don’t want: despite what your parents may have said, don’t feel
obliged to clear your plate.
Further details on the 12 tips
are available at
www.betterhealthusa.com
This
information is brought to you by Beatrice Community Hospital Gage County
PATCH Community Health Promotion HealthyMinds/HealthyBodies Education
Campaign
Sharon
Langvardt, MS, LCIMFT PATCH coordinator and BVBH Marriage and Family
Therapist slangvardt@bchhc.org
or
slangvardt@bvbh.net 228-3386
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