The holidays are a time of plenty: a packed calendar, abundant pies, and if you aren’t careful, plenty of new inches on the waistline. Avoid the holiday gain this season with these tips from Dr. Brian Machida, STC Plastic Surgery’s double board-certified plastic surgeon.
Opt for Active Gatherings
Group gatherings are a hallmark of the holiday season. But all too often, these gatherings are sedentary affairs like movie nights and cocktail hours. The calories will accumulate quickly if you are not careful.
When you move your body, you burn calories and avoid the holiday gain. Push for active events if you’re the one planning— opt for an evening stroll to admire the holiday lights instead of peppermint mochas with your BFF.
Keep Treats Out of Sight at Home
You can’t eat what you don’t see. Around the holidays, many of us fill our pantries with more treats than usual. Put those treats away so they aren’t as easy to get to and keep healthier picks easily accessible.
A well-stocked fruit bowl can keep your waistline in check.
Bring a Healthy Option
When you head to a holiday party, make sure you always have a healthy option to fill your plate by bringing it along. Instead of bringing cookies or treats, bring a big hearty salad. When it comes time to eat, you’ll know that there is something available that you can feel good about.
Of course, enjoy your favorite less-healthy options too, just in smaller portions.
Savor Desserts
Decadent pies and over-the-top cakes are one of our favorite parts of the holiday season, but you don’t have to consume three giant slices to indulge. With special treats, opt for a small piece and enjoy it slowly.
Savoring treats often leads to greater satisfaction and less overindulgence.
Don’t Drink Your Calories
Holiday cocktails, sodas, and juices are a hidden source of calories. These drinks are sugary and calorie-dense, but don’t leave you feeling full or satisfied. Additionally, if the drink contains alcohol, it can reduce your ability to stay in control of your dietary choices.
Think before you drink. Beverages have calories too.
Step on the Scale
During the holiday season, it may be wise to check in on your weight a little more frequently. Weighing yourself regularly helps hold you accountable for your health choices sooner. You may not notice weight gain until your pants start to feel a little tight, but the scale will point out smaller fluctuations while they are still easy to correct.
Keep tabs on your weight to avoid post-holiday surprises.
Keep Up with Your Appearance
When you look your best, it is easier to feel motivated to make healthy choices. Consider a pre-holiday body contouring treatment with Dr. Machida. We offer SculpSure®, a non-invasive option for shaping the abdomen, flanks, and thighs. This treatment uses heat to destroy fat cells and tighten the skin. You should also check out our many other surgical and non-surgical offerings as well.
STC Plastic Surgery wishes you a happy and healthy holiday season. Call us at (909) 476-2600 or contact us online to schedule your pre-holiday treatments today.