Create Some Moderation Momentum to Avoid the “Holiday 10”

From Tricks and Treats to holiday feasts, many fall and winter festivities focus on food - and lots of it! But for too many of us, a season of overeating leads to a winter of discontent - and eventually to serious long-term health complications. According to the National Institutes of Health, holiday eating can result in an extra pound or two every year, and a recent Weight Watchers report says that the average American gains around 7-10 pounds during winter holidays.

Unhealthy eating is a hard habit to break, even after the holidays are over. Get out in front of your holiday eating this year. With a little planning and attention, you can create some moderation momentum that will carry you into a healthier New Year and beyond.

Maintain, don’t gain. Let’s face it: Dinners, parties, gift baskets, and all kinds of seasonal goodies are par for the course around the holidays. Sample everything in moderation and make it your goal to maintain your current weight.If you can avoid the “Holiday 10,” you’ll be ahead of the game.

Exercise, and make it a habit. Take a lap around the airport between holiday flights. Take a family walk after dinner. Better yet, use some of the time off from work and school to establish a regular exercise routine.

Eat regular meals, and don’t skip meals. It’s a bad idea to go to the grocery store hungry, and it’s a terrible idea to starve yourself all day in anticipation of a holiday buffet. Sticking to regular, healthy meals makes it much easier to sensibly handle holiday temptations.

Drinks matter, too. Alcohol can induce overeating, but adult drinks aren’t the only cause for concern. Americans take in an abundance of calories from sugary drinks year round, and the holidays ramp it up with an assortment of punches, eggnog and the like. Try alternating beverages with glasses of water or tea.

Offer to bring food. If you’re invited to a holiday party, offer to bring your own healthy dish to pass. You know you’ll like it, you’ll know how it’s made, and you know it won’t derail your best-laid eating plans. This can be especially useful for people with specific dietary needs, from vegetarians to diabetics to kids with food allergies.

Strike a balance. If you happen to overeat at one meal, go light on the next. Stock your buffet plate with small portions of a variety of food, including lots of fruit and veggies. If you know you’re headed for a big night out, stick to healthy meals in the days leading up to it. Keep some healthy snacks on hand - like raw veggies and the Mississippi Spiced Pecans listed here - that can take the edge off in times of temptation.

Trained, insured and bonded BrightStar caregivers will plan activities that will be both stimulating and enjoyable. We can provide any level of companionship you desire to achieve a quality of life you need.

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Our Companionship services include:

Companion Care

• Light housekeeping• Laundry• Create customized grocery lists in accordance with dietary needs and preferences• Meal preparation and cooking• Home organization• Feed and care for pets

BrightStar’s home companion services can provide travel companionship, minor housework, bathing, grooming, and much more. We are there for you. It’s just one more way we’re making more possible in the lives of those we care for.

Our Home Support services:

Home Support

• Facilitate visits with friends and neighbors• Plan visits, outings and trips• Schedule assistance• Senior transportation services• Transportation to and from doctor appointments, social events, etc.• Travel companionship• Shopping and errands

It doesn’t matter if it’s senior transportation around town, or disability assistance on a business trip or vacation, we can offer a full range of adult and senior services to assist you. Call us and our dedicated caregivers can be there to get you where you need to go. At the drop of a dime.

Outside Support includes:

Outside Support

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