Hi! I am so excited to be joining Megan and Crysta as a contributor to this blog. Over the last 10 years of practicing as a Family Physician, I have developed a special interest in preventative medicine. And one thing is for sure, losing weight is the best prevention tool we have! Did you know that having too much body weight has been scientifically linked to cancer, heart disease, diabetes, liver disease, and osteoarthritis (just to name a few)? And your overall health improves with even a relatively minor weight reduction of 5-10%. So our goal throughout these blog posts is to help you lose weight, keep it off and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Making the decision to revamp your diet and shed some pounds takes courage, dedication, time, and effort, but it’s completely possible. Choosing the right approach can mean the difference between short-term, fleeting results and long-lasting success.
As we approach the holidays, one of the most common concerns I hear is how to eat properly despite the temptations. Many patients that do well throughout the year, seem to come crashing down during the holiday time. Here are some tips to help you resist the urge to splurge:
- Exercise in the morning to burn off extra calories before you ever indulge in your favorite foods.
- Start your day with a healthy breakfast so you won’t be starving when you arrive at the gathering.
- Survey the table and decide what you’re going to choose. Then select reasonable-sized portions.
- Resist the temptation to go back for second servings.
- Eating slowly, putting your fork down between bites, and tasting each mouthful is one of the easiest ways to enjoy your meal and feel satisfied.
- Drinking lots of water and choosing high-fiber foods add to the feeling of fullness.
- Don’t forget those alcohol calories can add up quickly.
- Keep a food journal and write down everything that you eat. This is an incredibly powerful tool, especially when you are tempted to overeat.
- Buddy up with someone who is also trying to keep his or her weight in check.
- Go for skinless breast over thigh; dark meat is higher in saturated fat and calories.
Most importantly, remember that Thanksgiving is not just about the delicious bounty of food. It’s a time to celebrate relationships with family and friends. So this Thanksgiving, be thankful for who you are and what you have.
“It is not happy people who are thankful, it is thankful people who are happy.”
- Dr. Sejal Desai
