Maintaining a Healthy Weight During the Holidays

Halloween is just a day away and we are already excited for what comes next… the holiday season! The sights, smells, sounds and the food!!! Out of these our favorite would have to be the food, but, we still want to make healthy choices and maintain a healthy weight. The good news is the simple, every day, healthy choices we have been encouraging you to make all year still apply during this most wonderful time of the year.

Our Healthy Choice strategies are:

Water: Drink at least half of your body weight in ounces daily. Many times, when we think we are hungry we are simply thirsty. Drinking water makes you feel full and reduces the urge to over indulge. Proper hydration also leads to less consumption of sugary drinks or alcohol which reduces your calorie intake. Water detoxifies your system reducing your body burden. Before a meal or at a social gathering start with a glass of water and sip it slowly then throughout the event alternate water with another beverage.

Sugar: Visions of sugar plums in your head? Try focusing on the protein and vegetables instead of the desert when feasting. Protein gives you a feeling of fullness and boosts your metabolism while vegetables are low in calories but packed with healthy fiber. Ladies remember 6 grams of sugar is your recommended daily allowance and gentlemen keep it to 9 grams.

Sleep: This is our busiest time of the year. We are focused on the joy of others sometimes at the expense of our own health. This combined with the excitement of the season and the added pressure of extra things to do can lead to longer hours and less sleep. Sleep deficiency can cause weight gain! The less you sleep, the hungrier you’ll feel, too little sleep also slows down your metabolism. Schedule 8 to 9 hours of sleep just like you schedule a friendly get together.

Remain Active: During the holiday season, we tend to let physical activity go… but we can keep it simple and fun. Walk around your neighborhood or town and enjoy the holiday displays. If possible, walk to neighborhood or town festivities. Keep up a steady pace and walk a couple times around the mall before shopping. Most smartphones or smart watches monitor your steps. You can use these devices or a simple pedometer daily. Try to average 2 miles every day which is roughly 4,000 steps. Proper activity will also help you sleep better at night.

The Buddy System: Ask your friends to help keep you on track and offer to do the same for them. There is strength in numbers and with proper group planning the urge to over indulge can be reduced. When you host an event or party make water the feature beverage choice and offer plenty of veggies and proteins.

Proper planning, keeping it simple and fun will help you remain Healthy by Choice and not by Chance this holiday season.