It’s so easy to gain weight over the holidays. Reason is plain and simple: over-indulgence in food and alcohol (and sweets). Couple this with decreased physical activity to leave behind a tiring year, and you have the perfect formula to get you way off your diet track. no wonder most new year resolutions include weight loss.
So why not plan ahead and start your new year on the right foot, full of optimism and vitality even before the holidays begin?
Here are some simple holiday tips:
- Think about your meals, snacks, dining out and alcohol consumption ahead of time.
- Choose quality over quantity.
- Stop eating before you are full. By the time you feel full, you’ve probably already over-eaten.
- Chew your food slowly. Taking your time gives your body more time to let you know you are full.
- Drink more water, regularly through the day — especially if you’ve been consuming alcohol.
- Find healthy alternatives to traditional holiday foods. Know when to say “no” to certain foods.
- Incorporate physical activity into your holiday mode. Park your car at the far end of the supermarket car park and walk.
- Make time for exercise. Mornings are great, so get it out of the way.
- Remember: indulgence has a price. Think ahead: will you regret it for the weeks or months to come?
- If visiting friends or family, fill up on something healthy just before you get there. This way you’ll only have room for minor indulgences.
Diet is only one part of the equation
Even if you are not actively exercising, simply keeping active is super important.
If “join the gym” or “start working out” is a new year resolution for you, remember that this time of the year is probably when your body is least prepared. Not only have the holidays taken its toll, but your body is also facing your new-found optimism (and it may not be prepared).
So having a plan is very important to improve your chances of sticking to your goals, keeping motivated and getting results while staying safe. There’s nothing like injury to muscles you never knew you had to put off your health goals.
Why not make an appointment with us to evaluate what you have to work with and how to best work it. We can teach you best stretches, exercises, techniques, breathing patterns and more, so you can exercise safely, effectively and progressively. This is especially important if you are already suffering from some form of pain to other condition.
Our new year resolution is all about you and how we can help make 2017 a healthy and pain-free year for you. We value your trust in us and we will strive to improve the high standard of care you’ve experienced with us.
From our team to you and your family: Wishing you a happy new year and wonderful Christmas holidays. Have a safe, pain-free, and injury-free year!
From the team at Back Pain and Posture Clinic