The holiday season is upon us and while it’s great to chill, relax and indulge ourselves, we’re often left with a bunch of regrets when the New Year comes and we’ve whacked on the pounds. Extra weight can be hard to shift, but not only that, it can cause more back or neck pain with the additional weight that we have to carry. So we’ll look at some ways to help you to enjoy. but not go overboard on the festive cheer.
Drink water
You should drink plenty of water anyway, but this time of year, try and drink more than normal. If you go out with friends, order a water in between rounds if you are drinking alcohol. It helps you stay hydrated. The more water you drink, the less hungry you may feel as well.
Savor the Flavor
There are many treats and great tasting food at this time of year in particular. The best way to enjoy it is to savor each mouthful, eat slowly and don’t go back for seconds. Take your time eating, it will save you from indigestion as well as enabling you to enjoy the taste.
Exercise Often
Go out for a 30 minute walk each day. If you are more active, keep doing that, or if you do plan on easing back a little, still ensure you do something so as to keep yourself physically active.
Everything in Moderation
Don’t go crazy on the junk foods and snacks. Enjoy them, but eat in moderation and space out your treats throughout the day.
Eat Healthily
Ensure that your diet stays balanced over the course of the holiday season. If you know you’re going to have a big turkey dinner with lots of potatoes that night, then go easy during the day, don’t eat other carbohydrates during the day.
Encourage Others to do the Same as You
If you’re the only one following these steps, then it’s going to take some will power to stay strong. If you have another who is prepared to do the same as you, then you can encourage each other and when one is weak, the other can step up and help, and vice versa.
The big take away from this isn’t necessarily to be a saint and only eat super healthy foods and go out for 10 mile runs, it’s simply to still enjoy yourself but be aware of what you are eating and doing. Try and plan what you are going to eat and do each day and then reward yourself with the cheer of the season. You won’t regret it in the long run.
Furthermore, remaining healthy is key to helping manage any pain you may be experiencing as well. We hope you have a great holiday and if you’re in pain right now, if you don’t have to be. Give us a call or schedule an appointment online. We also accept insurance. You can Schedule an appointment here.
