Tis the Season for Parties and Those Extra Pounds

winter

During the holiday season, we are often tempted with high calorie, tasty foods. If you have a good diet and healthy eating habits, a few dietary indiscretions over the holidays will not hurt. Dietitian Kathy Chauncey says it is possible to indulge without having a holiday war with our waistlines.

It is just as important to watch how much you eat as it is to watch what you eat. By practicing portion control and eating more slowly, you will be working to avoid unwanted weight gain. Also, eating a light snack before attending a holiday event will also help in preventing the possibility of overeating.

 

Remember a few seasonal eating tips will help in the battle of the bulge.

  • Drink plenty of water in between meals. It may diminish your appetite for holiday goodies
  • Eat slow. It can take 20 minutes for your brain to realize that your stomach is full.  
  • At the holiday party, don’t just reach for the sweets. Mix your plate with plenty of vegetables as well.
  • Exercise everyday.

Chauncey says the bad news is that holiday pounds can sneak up on you and stay with you. Through the years, the weight can accumulate to an unhealthy number if you are not careful.  This holiday number one is to just have the right attitude about the food. You know food is part of the holiday, but it is not all of the holiday. And there are many good activities, family and friends that you can concentrate on.

 

 

Related Stories

How Does Your Garden Grow?

As spring approaches, some people’s thoughts turn to gardening. Whether it’s a flower garden they desire or a vegetable garden want to have, they begin planning what they’ll plant and what they need to do to ensure a successful garden.

Adopt a Growth Mindset for a Better Life

A “growth mindset” accepts that our intelligence and talents can develop over time, and a person with that mindset understands that intelligence and talents can improve through effort and learning.

Drug Use, Family History Can Lead to Heart Disease in Younger Adults

Abstaining from drug abuse and an early diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) can help prevent heart disease.

Recent Stories

Education

Being Part of the Future: the Master of Science in Biotechnology

Biotechnology uses the power of biology to develop technologies and products such as new drugs, vaccines and medical treatments. TTUHSC's master’s program in biotechnology equips you for a wide range of professional and academic opportunities.

Health

Texas Tech Physicians Allergist Sheds Light On Adult-Onset Allergies

James Tarbox, M.D., an allergist at Texas Tech Physicians, spoke about adult- onset allergies.

Health

Infertility Awareness Week marks 35 years of ART advancements

For Infertility Awareness Week, Sam Prien, Ph.D., spoke about the 35th anniversary of the first birth from what has become known as assisted reproductive technologies (ART) associated with the infertility program at TTUHSC.