BLOG: Holiday health tips
It’s that wonderful time of year again where families come together for the holidays. It is also that time of year where people like to throw away a healthy mindset and just use it for their New Year’s resolution. With a little help from Web MD and my own brilliant mind, I have compiled a small list of how to keep this Thanksgiving a healthy holiday.
The first bit of advice is to remain active. Most people think because it is a holiday they don’t have to exercise. Many come up with the excuse that it is just too busy and they need to spend time with the family. I am calling bull on that one because 30 minutes is all you need to do. Go on a jog, to the gym or put in a short workout video (you can find them on Hulu) and just be active for 30 minutes. Be that person in your family that inspires the others to get out there and be active, even during the holidays.
The next step is to eat breakfast. Thanksgiving usually starts early in the day with preparation for the main event, so you are definitely up in time to consume a good breakfast. But, because Thanksgiving dinner can be so large, people tend to think it is a good idea to skip breakfast.
This is completely wrong. Even on the holidays, breakfast is the most important meal because it kick-starts your metabolism for the day, as well as helps regulate what you eat the rest of the day. Skipping breakfast will make that big meal even bigger because you will eat more because you will be hungry.
If you are preparing or helping prepare the meal, Web MD suggests you try to lighten up a bit. That means using sugar substitutes in your desserts or fat free chicken broth for the turkey base and gravy. Cut back on the sodium as well. My dad and I tend to put a good amount of salt on our mashed potatoes and gravy, so if you’re like us, try to cut back.
Take advantage of all the extra food by having leftovers, not seconds. Eventually, yes, you will get sick of turkey sandwiches, but it will treat your body so much better using the food another day rather than trying to consume it all in one day.
The next one is something I definitely try to do a lot more often these days; savor your food. Don’t scarf it down like you haven’t eaten in ages; enjoy it. Take your time to eat the food and really enjoy the flavor of it. I think of it as reminding myself why I like the food I’m eating in the first place. You will learn to appreciate your food more in the long run and the slower you eat, the sooner you will realize you are full. People tend to overeat because it takes them too long to realize that they are full.
From my previous blogs, I have made it clear that I like the occasional beer, but I won’t say no to a good glass of Pinot Grigio either. Holidays are always a reassurance for a good glass of wine, beer or any type of alcohol, but the downside is the empty calories. Although a glass of red wine is good for you, try to only have one glass, which can be hard to do during the holidays.
Next, I would like to remind those who read this to be realistic, especially the newbies like myself. This is my first Thanksgiving since I decided to change my lifestyle. Instead of striving for weight loss later this week, just try to maintain and do so by following these steps. I have said before that it is okay to cheat as long as you have made room for it (this all goes back to my first blog too: plan). I am not saying go overboard, but it is okay to have that piece of pumpkin pie as long as you are realistic in knowing you will probably maintain your weight this week. If you’re really conscious about your looks, it’s okay to research about procedures such as abdominoplastia in Edinburg, TX or CoolSculpting in Scottsdale, AZ if it gives you more confidence. Abdominoplastia is just another term for a tummy tuck surgery like this tummy tuck in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. You can consult experts such as this plastic surgeon in Torrance, CA before undergoing one.
Last but not least, focus on your family and friends or whoever you chose to surround yourself with this holiday season. Instead of focusing on all the different delicious desserts, talk to you aunt, brother or cousin and find out what the rest of your family has been up to. I suggest really partaking in what this holiday is all about, being thankful for what you have. Do this by spending time with those you love, appreciating your health in general and don’t fret about food.
