Our Ask An Angel correspondent is Arlene Petersen, Life Care Navigation Specialist in the area of senior home care.
Q. I completely overdid it during Thanksgiving. I over ate and felt horrible for days. I want to stay healthy and my doctor has instructed me to stay healthy as well. Any tips to gain self-control?
A. Overeating during the holidays is one of the hardest things to avoid. No matter your age, the buffet calls your name with all those delicious treats. What can you do to stay healthy this holiday season?
Not only are the tables full of yummy treats, but you are distracted by all the wonderful company! Sometimes it seems like the food just jumps up on your plate and you don’t even know how it got there!
There are a few things you can do to keep your eating at a healthy pace as well as amount of food you take in.
Snacks before are OK! Have a little snack before the main event. Some veggies, fruit or a yogurt are a great way to get a healthy snack in before you hit the big party and all the unhealthy choices. You won’t be as hungry and can eat less.
Try not to overload your plate and only take those things you truly love. Savior those holiday treats by eating slowly and you’ll consume less. I have to keep tabs on my own eating and often realize my eyes think I am much hungrier than I really am. A little goes a long way! Keep your dessert choices healthy as well. Sometimes one dessert can put your tummy over the edge, into that uncomfortable zone.
Keep the drinks healthy, too. Alcohol and sugary drinks add calories. Try to avoid them.
When you need to bring a dish, bring the healthy alternative. A veggie or fruit tray is a great contribution.
Keep Moving. Try to stay active this holiday season. The more active you are the better you’ll feel. Talk to your doctor about incorporating a simple exercise routine to help you keep those extra pounds off.
The holidays are a happy time. Enjoy them to the fullest. Stay safe and healthy.
Have a question for our angel correspondent? You can send our angel an email to apetersen@visitingangels.com or send your question via mail to Ask An Angel, 65 Woodbury St., South Elgin, IL 60177.
