Tag Archives: overeating

Holidays Should Bring Lots of Presents Not Pounds

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The holidays are full of cheer, family gatherings and lots of calories!

Here are some tips on how to maintain your weight during the holiday food fest:

  • Stay Active – Although the weather may not be conducive to outdoor physical activity, you can try some simple indoor activities such as workout videos, stationary bikes and treadmill.
  • Healthy Snacking – Treats are easily accessible during the holiday season. Be mindful to stay away from snacks that are high in sugar and unhealthy fats.  Stick to the veggie and fruit platters.
  • Portion Control – The best way to overcome obesity and maintain a healthy weight is through portion control. Check the serving sizes for the foods you are choosing to eat and try to remain within the guidelines of the recommended portion.
  • Don’t Stress Eat – Try to remain mindful of your stress level during the holiday season. Use exercise, meditation, yoga or deep breathing to reduce stress.
  • Bring a Healthy Dish – By bringing your own healthy meal to share, you are guaranteed to be in control of your choices.
  • Limit Alcohol Consumption– Everyone loves a libation during the holiday season, but keep in mind that alcohol contains lots of calories and can cause you to gain weight.

Addition tips include cooking and baking holiday favorites with less calorie rich ingredients, such as substituting sugar and butter with more healthy options like Greek yogurt, pumpkin puree, olive oil, mashed bananas or avocado.

Hopefully, these tips will give you all the holiday cheer with none of the holiday guilt!

Happy Holidays!

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Holiday Heart Syndrome

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Holiday Heart Syndrome, coined in 1978, is a real syndrome in which the heart’s vulnerability to certain arrhythmias is increased by excessive alcohol ingestion (binge drinking) and the onset of a heart rhythm disturbance in people who are otherwise healthy.

The most frequently seen arrhythmia during the holiday season is atrial fibrillation, in which the top chambers of the heart quiver or fibrillate causing the heart to beat irregular and often quite fast.

Excessive alcohol intake in women is defined as consuming seven or more drinks per week or over three doses at one time.  For men, heavy consumption is defined as over 14 drinks per week or over four drinks at one time by the U.S. Department of health and Human Service.

Alcohol alone does not fully explain Holiday Heart Syndrome.  There are other risk factors for atrial fibrillation that are higher around the holidays such as:

  • Overeating
  • Stress
  • High levels of sodium consumption
  • Dehydration

Everyone has some degree of stress in their lives.  Health concerns, family and relationship issues, financial problems can all cause stress which can ultimately affect your health; the idea of “letting go” at a holiday event and consuming more alcohol than usual as a way to forget the present may have a negative effect on your future.

If you have any heart symptoms, it is best to seek medical attention immediately; even if your symptoms appear ON a holiday.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.