Holidays Tempting Your Waistline? Try These Tips!
The average American gains a couple of pounds or more during the Holiday Season. With the abundance of parties, cookies, and traditions that involve food, it’s no wonder, and we see many patients at Root Cause Medical Clinic, who wish to drop a few pounds. Unfortunately, many Americans have trouble shedding that weight in the upcoming year and instead just keep adding to that.
What did you weigh in your 20s? If that number has increased, you see how it can sneak up on you.
The good news is that you can thoroughly enjoy the Holidays without putting your health at risk. You have to be willing to make some changes, but you definitely don’t have to starve.
Have a Light Meal Before the Party
If you are attending a function for work or at a hotel, the tips below should help. If you are fairly certain that what will be served is a large departure from how you need to eat, do consider eating a small meal before you leave the house. It will handle any hunger and allow you to mingle and enjoy everyone’s company without having to eat food you know will get you in trouble.
When you are dining at a friend’s or family member’s home, it is much easier to have some control. Some options are to bring a big healthy salad and an entrée that you can eat. You’ll be contributing to the hostess, plus saving yourself from getting into trouble.
Consider bringing a carrot or cucumber or celery stick already cut into pieces. How hard is it to throw that in a baggy before you leave the house? And with it, you have a way of enjoying the hummus or guacamole that’s being served while avoiding the crackers. Yes, you could also bring gluten-free crackers or a version that avoids your particular food sensitivity, but less simply, refined carbohydrates will make you feel better overall during this fun, but sometimes stressful, time of year.
Below we provide alternatives to the pound enhancing, disease-promoting holiday fare that is so pervasive at this time of year.
Appetizers
| Instead of this… | Try this! |
| Cheese and crackers | Hummus or guacamole with raw veggies |
| Cereal mix with nuts | Raw or dry roasted nuts (fresh, not from a can) |
| Pigs in a blanket | Chili (try Amy’s organic chili) |
| Cheesy dip, hot or cold | Shrimp with cocktail sauce |
| Potstickers | Chicken or veggie skewer (just check the sauce) |
Entrees
| Instead of this… | Try this! |
| Baked macaroni and cheese | Plain chicken or cold salmon |
| Prime rib, a large slice | A small slice, or try some chicken or salmon |
| Chicken or turkey with stuffing | The meat is fine, just avoid the stuffing |
| Vegetable casserole with cheese | Try to find some plain veggies or salad |
Desserts
| Instead of this… | Try this! |
| Holiday cookies | Organic dark chocolate (bring some with you) |
| Gooey cake | Coconut ice cream (Try Bliss brand, it’s delicious) |
| Fruit cake | Fresh fruit and nuts |
Drinks
| Instead of this… | Try this! |
| Margaritas or other sweet mixed drinks | A glass of wine—Pinot Noir is highest in antioxidants |
| Champagne | One small glass is fine, otherwise have wine |
| Egg nog | Try the “So” brand, it’s made from coconut milk |
| More than one drink | Drink water! Staying hydrated will help you lose weight and reduce the sugar cravings |
Remember to enjoy some long walks or other outside activities daily that keep you exercising. Don’t be a holiday couch potato!
And most importantly, truly enjoy the company of friends and families.
Our best wishes to you and yours for a joyful Holiday Season!
Do you need help with your health?
We have the diagnostic and testing tools, the clinical experience, and a different medical approach to discovering the root cause of why you have the symptoms that are bothering you. As long as you are ready to make some dietary and lifestyle changes, we can help you. We will "hold your hand" through the changes, step by step, to make each step an easy one. We are located in Clearwater, FL, at 1000 S Ft Harrison, at the corner of Ft. Harrison Ave. and Magnolia St. There is plenty of parking space directly accessible from Ft Harrison. If it is not convenient for you to come to Root Cause Medical Clinic, we offer telehealth/telemedicine consultations to residents of certain states. Call us for details.
Contact us for a Consultation – Call 727-335-0400
Dr. Vikki Petersen DC. CCN
Founder of Root Cause Medical Clinic
Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner
Dr Vikki Petersen is a public speaker, author of two books, several eBooks and creates cutting edge content for her YouTube community. Dr Vikki is committed to bringing Root Cause Medicine and its unique approach to restoring health naturally to the world.
