‘Tis the season to eat, drink, & be merry but overindulging can leave us feeling stuffed like a turkey. DoctorsCare has some tips on how to celebrate the holiday season without overdoing it.
Pace yourself
- Don’t eat everything on the table or stick to small servings. Be choosy and eat the foods you love but in moderation.
Rest before second helpings
- It takes a few minutes for your stomach to signal that it’s full.
- Drink some water after the first helping. You might realize that you’re full and don’t need that extra helping.
Distance yourself
- Don’t stand next to the buffet table. If you’re within reach of the buffet you might find yourself mindlessly reaching for food as you talk to your Aunt Polly.
Don’t arrive on an empty stomach
- Have a pre-party snack before leaving the house so you don’t attend famished.
- A great snack like apple slices with peanut butter will help.
Avoid alcohol on an empty stomach
- Alcohol increases your appetite and diminishes your ability to control what you eat.
- If you do drink alcohol, have a glass of water in between drinks.
Get moving
- Dancing is a great way to work off some of those holiday calories.
- Or take a walk before the big feast or maybe in between dinner and dessert.
Get some sleep!
- You tend to eat more when you’re sleep deprived.
Tips if you’re Diabetic (According to the CDC)
- Eat close to your usual times to keep your blood sugar steady.
- If you plan to eat something sweet, cut back on other carbs (like potatoes and bread) during the meal.
- Don’t skip meals to save up for the feast. You’ll be really hungry and more likely to overeat.
- At the buffet:
- Use a small plate
- Start with vegetables to take the edge off your appetite.
- Eat slowly so your brain has time to tell you you’re full.
- Avoid or limit alcohol. Alcohol can lower blood sugar and interact with diabetes medicines.
Most of all, enjoy your time with family and friends during the holidays but please remember the CDC guidelines about wearing masks, social distancing, and avoid indoor gatherings if possible.
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