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Maintain, Don't Gain

Once the holidays have passed and the last of the white chocolate covered pretzels are gone, we tend to feel resolved to get our weight back on track.

According to the New England Journal of Medicine, most people reported a weight gain of three and a half pounds around the holidays.  The trick is to lose the additional pounds and not let the extra weight add up year after year. Why not challenge yourself to Maintain and Not Gain during the holidays?  Create a chart or use an app to record your weight for 3 weeks. If you see the scale increasing, focus on reducing calories or increasing exercise.

Here are some healthy holiday tips to help you Maintain, not Gain.

  • Make an appointment for exercise and keep it. Find an exercise buddy to help you.
  • Don’t avoid exercise. Break your activity into 10 minute increments if time is limited.
  • Eat an apple or healthy snack before going to a party. This will tame your appetite and help you avoid overeating high calorie foods.
  • Drink water instead of high calorie beverages. Dehydration can mask as hunger even in the winter.
  • Stop when you get full. It is okay to leave food on your plate.
  • “Remember, the first bite is by far the most enjoyable.” Choose a few treats in smaller portions and add veggies to help fill you up.
  • Pick up a smaller plate and pace yourself.
  •  Offer to bring a healthier option for parties.

Have a wonderful holiday. This is Sheila Harrell with the Church Health Center.

If you have a question for Life Matters, send it tohealth@wkno.org