BodyLogicMD’s Hormone Therapy Blog

It’s Not What You Do Between Thanksgiving & The Holidays, But What You Do Between The Holidays & Thanksgiving That Makes A Difference For Your Health!

The holidays are on our heels and many of us are already beginning to cast our healthy eating habits aside. With Thanksgiving on the horizon, many of us know that November 26^th will surely mark the beginning of the end. If you’ve been affected by holiday weight gain, you’re not alone. A recent study revealed that Americans gain at least one pound between Thanksgiving and New Years as result of holiday splurging. The holidays are a time for giving, a time for rejoice, a time for family and friends and time to be grateful for what we have and what we have coming to us. Unfortunately, the holidays are also a time for giving in to guilty pleasures. From bountiful thanksgiving feasts to decadent gingerbread cookies and peppermint schnapps, it’s no wonder we can’t just say “no!”

One month of letting loose wouldn’t be so bad if we were proactive about our health for the other eleven months out of the year. It’s time that we move balanced nutrition and regular exercise to the top of our to-do lists. There’s nothing wrong with a little holiday grazing, it’s expected, but it’s important to remember: everything in moderation.

Here are some ways for you to pepper some health into your holiday gatherings:

• Just a little is enough – The holidays bring a lot to the table. Literally. With so many different items to choose from, portion control and self-control for that matter can be difficult. Try just picking the items you really want to try and make sure that you’re not taking heaping portions.
• Skip the Drive-Thru  – In the midst of all the running around and last-minute shopping in the weeks leading up to the New Year, we find comfort in the convenience of fast food and drive thru meals. Although fast-food can be time-saving on the short-term, in the long-run, the fat and refined sugars will catch up with you and your health.
• Break out the Low-Cal – If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, offer some low calorie options for your family and friends to munch on. Set the table with a zesty low-cal ranch dip and serve with some crunchy carrots and celery for a tasty dipping experience. If you plan on visiting someone else’s home for the holidays, bring a healthy dish along with you – the host will surely appreciate it.
• Be Social – Don’t hover over the hors d’oeuvres. Mingle. Chat. Be merry. Chances are, if you’re socializing, you won’t have much time to gorge yourself with holiday offerings.
• Get your H²O – It’s important to stay hydrated, especially if you decide to enjoy some holiday cocktails with your close friends and loved ones. A good rule of thumb is to drink 2 glasses of water for every alcoholic beverage consumed.

Wishing you the best of health and a safe and warm Thanksgiving!