Making Healthy Choices this Holiday Season
The holidays can be a challenging season for anyone trying to stick to a diet and exercise routine. But by planning ahead and making good choices, you can stay active and healthy during this busy time of year.
Read on as Dr. Joshua Greenwald reveals his best tips for making healthy choices during the holiday season.
Plan Ahead for Big Meals
If you will be hosting or attending an event centered around a big meal, plan the rest of the day’s meals and snacks with it in mind. Eat a light breakfast and lunch in anticipation of enjoying a large dinner. Or, if you indulge in a decadent brunch, try to stick to lower-calorie fare for the rest of the day.
Watch Your Portions
You don’t have to deprive yourself of delicious holiday sweets and treats. Instead of restricting what you eat, practice portion control. Take a small slice of pie or cake and fill the rest of your plate with fresh fruit. Or eat one cookie slowly, savoring each bite, instead of devouring an entire sleeve.
Stay Hydrated
With the hustle and bustle of holiday cooking, shopping and traveling, it’s easy to get dehydrated. But make sure you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Drinking a glass of water before a meal can help you feel fuller, sooner.
Look for Fun Ways to Stay Active
Your busy holiday schedule does not have to completely derail your exercise efforts. While it may not be possible to squeeze in as many workouts as normal, look for fun ways to stay active throughout the holiday season. Is there a Jingle Bell Jog or an Ugly Sweater Run you can sign up for? What about a Christmas Eve candlelight yoga event, or a holiday-themed ride at SoulCycle? Sign the whole family up and enjoy quality time together!
It’s Not about the Food
A simple shift in perspective can help you keep yourself in check. The holiday season isn’t about what is on the table, it’s about who is around it. Focus on spending quality time with loved ones and showing them how much they mean to you. Savor simple pleasures like sipping a cup of tea as you catch up with an old friend, or making a snow angel with your children.
Contact Dr. Greenwald
If you eat healthy and exercise regularly, yet still struggle with unwanted fat or excess skin, you might want to consider body contouring surgery. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Greenwald to discuss how he can help you look and feel your best in the New Year!
Dr. Joshua Greenwald is a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City who studied and trained at prestigious educational institutions including Columbia University, Emory University, and New York University School of Medicine. His keen aesthetic eye and refined surgical techniques have led him to be a top choice for cosmetic face, breast, and body procedures in NYC. His exceptional patient care has earned him the distinction of “Top Doc” by both Westchester Magazine and Castle & Connolly for over 10 years running. Dr. Greenwald is an active member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Medical Association, and the Westchester County Medical Society.