With the holiday season in full swing, temperatures are cooler, leaves are falling, and our tables are filling up with our favorite hearty dishes. Healthy eating seems to get much more difficult during the fall and winter seasons. Whether it’s the stuffed turkey family recipe or your grandmother’s special pumpkin pie, sometimes it’s tough to pass up those holiday treats that only come once a year. While it’s alright to indulge in your favorite foods at family dinners, Dr. David Whiteman understands the role a healthy diet can play in one’s quality of life and shares some tips to avoid unwanted pounds and still celebrate this season.
• Don’t start off starving. Don’t arrive at the Thanksgiving table hungry. Snack on healthy, filling foods and drink plenty of water so you’ll be less tempted to overeat. It’s also easy to confuse hunger with thirst, so staying hydrated will help you feel full.
• Portion your foods. There’s no need to pile your plate high with every dish at the table. Be sure to fill it first with healthier choices such as vegetables instead of dishes covered in cheese or sauce. Sample small portions and leave a little space for heavier offerings.
• Be present during dinner. Engage in conversation and pace yourself while eating. It’s easy to get lost in unconscious eating with all the activity of a feast. Don’t rush through eating so you can go for seconds. Tune in to when your body knows it’s full.
• Go for a walk. Don’t head straight to the couch or bed after dinner. Head outside for a walk and burn some of those Thanksgiving calories.
Whether or not you’ve had plastic surgery, it is important to follow a proper diet and engage in regular exercise to ensure you look and feel your best. Dr. Whiteman encourages you to follow his blog for more health tips and plastic surgery updates. If you haven’t already, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.