Read more: Local, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Turkey, Food, Pie, Carrots, Celery, Diet, Weight Loss, Valley Baptist Medical Center, Holiday Traditions, Pounds, Potatoes, Corn, Starch
The average person gains about 10 pounds during the holidays but Director of the Weight Loss Program at Valley Baptist Dawn Rodriguez says, it doesn’t have to be spent miserably.
“Have a plan, know where you’re going, know what foods are going to be offered there, face what’s going on before you get there,” said Rodriguez.
The Registered Nurse insists you can enjoy the holidays without stuffing yourself more than the turkey.
“If you want your dressing and your potatoes and corn, which are all starch, just have small quantities of it. Don’t deprive yourself of it because you’re going to want it even more."
She also recommends bringing a dish that’s low calorie that way you have a healthier alternative.
Rodriguez also suggests:
You eat a light snack before leaving for the party
Exercise at the beginning of the day
Take small bites and chew slowly
And fill your plate with "free foods" like broccoli and carrot sticks
When it comes to pies, Rodriguez suggests taking half of it and then taking a half of another slice so that you get a few bites of everything that you want.
And when you’re finally done eating…exercise.
Rodriguez suggests you take a brisk walk or play football and get active.
But if you so fall from the healthy bandwagon she says don’t beat yourself up and just monitor what you eat from there on out.
As for those who plan on spoiling their stomachs during the holidays with the intention of starting a strict diet on January 1st, Rodriguez says it can really be frustrating trying to shed that extra set of weight.
Next month Valley Baptist Medical Center will be offering a seminar to lose weight during the holidays.
It’s scheduled for December 1st at the Boggus Education Pavilion, Room 5 in Harlingen at 6:30 pm.
They'll feature dieticians and personal trainers but the best part of it all is that it’s free.
