Enjoy Your Holiday Meals Without Overindulging

By: Shannon Hernandez, ATC, ACSM CPT, AEA AFP, Health & Wellness Coordinator

The holidays are some of the best times of the year filled with laughter, lots of food, and friends and family. Even though holidays may look a little different this year, we hope you find endless ways to enjoy them.

When it comes to holidays, typically, lots of food is involved as well as distractions that may make you end up overindulging. Here are some ways to not overindulge, but still enjoy your holiday meals!

  1. Watch portion sizes by using smaller plates. The average plate size is currently 11-12 inches. In restaurants, the actual size is 13 inches. The ideal plate size and what is used in Europe is 9 inches.
  2. Reading food labels helps determine portion size. The serving size of cooked vegetables is ½ cup and raw, fresh, or frozen is 1 cup. The serving size for meat is the size of the palm of your hand and ½ to 1 inch thick.
  3. Start your meal with a low-sodium, broth-based soup or a salad.
  4. Stay hydrated.
  5. Practice mindful eating. Savor it and chew slowly to allow your brain to catch up with what is taking place. It takes the brain about 15 minutes to realize that we have eaten enough.
  6. Control your stress level to help reduce cravings. Take deep breaths before eating to allow the body to relax and process what is taking place.
  7. Keep meals balanced with protein. Protein increases metabolism and levels of appetite-reducing hormones.
  8. Skip seconds.
  9. Make sure you’re not hungry while cooking or grocery shopping.
  10. Cut back on taste testing. When tasting a variety of dishes, you can consume more calories than expected.
  11. Limit excessive sugar consumption. Enjoy dessert, but limit that dessert intake. If you want two kinds of desserts, try to cut the portion size to equal the normal portion of one regular dessert or slice of pie.
  12. Eat before you arrive to the gathering.

Don’t forget to share these helpful tips with your loved ones as well, so we can all be a little healthier!

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

5 Exercises For Concussions

A concussion is defined as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) induced by direct or indirect force transmitted to the head. Looking at the statistics, there were 27.16 million new TBI cases globally in 2019. Nationally, there were approximately 214,110 TBI-related hospitalizations in 2020 and 69,473 TBI-related deaths in 2021.² Approximately 80% of all TBIs are classified as mild head injuries (CDC). These numbers highlight the significant public health impact concussions have worldwide, and the importance of proper evaluation and management.

What to Wear to Physical Therapy

When heading to physical therapy, comfort and functionality are key. Your attire can significantly impact the effectiveness of your session, affecting your ability to move freely, follow your therapist’s instructions, and perform exercises with ease. The right clothing not only promotes flexibility but also allows your therapist to evaluate your movements and address areas that need attention. Here’s what to wear – and what to avoid – for a successful visit!

Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury You May Not Know

What exactly is a traumatic brain injury? A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain that can be caused by a forceful jolt, bump, or hit to the head. It can also be caused by a sharp object that pushes through the skull and into the brain. Such injuries are often caused by car accidents, falls, sports, or natural disasters. For example, a concussion is a mild form of TBI; however, not all injuries to the head will cause a TBI.

Floor Transfers: Why They’re Important

Floor transfers, the ability to get down and rise from the floor without assistance, are an indicator of an individual’s functional independence, quality of life, and a predictor of longevity and overall health. This seemingly simple movement represents a complex integration of strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination that is closely linked to one’s overall functional mobility.

Heart Healthy Foods

Five Foods That Promote Heart Health

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among men, women, and most ethnic groups in the United States. While some risk factors—such as age, gender, and family history—are beyond our control, many other factors can be managed through lifestyle choices. Diet, physical activity, stress management, and avoiding tobacco all play a critical role in supporting heart health.

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.