Photo credit: MorgueFile/earl53

The holidays are upon us and you know what that means – 6 weeks of holiday eating – family dinners, holiday parties, gifts of cookies and candies, and a seemingly unending assortment of nibbles at the office.

According to studies, excessive holiday eating can cause you to gain anywhere from one to five pounds. While these few added pounds may not seem like a lot, extra weight can accumulate throughout the years, contributing to the development of obesity later in life.

While going on a strict diet during the holidays may seem a little unpractical, you can avoid weight gain with a little preparation by following these tips for healthy holiday eating.

1. Don’t skip meals. When you go to a party hungry, you’re more apt to overeat. Eat a light snack, like raw vegetables or low-fat cheese, to curb your appetite before you go to a dinner or party.
2. Go through the buffet line last. A fully loaded buffet can be very tempting, but after several people have gone through the line, the food’s visual appeal is reduced.
3. Watch your portions. Use a smaller salad plate. Don’t overload your plate by stacking food on top of each other. Only make one trip through the buffet. Moderation is the key.
   

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4. Limit high-fat foods. Choose a few of your favorite foods, so you don’t feel deprived. Fill the rest of your plate with healthy options like lean meats, vegetables and fruits.
5. Eat slowly and mindfully. Savor and enjoy your choices.
6. Drink plenty of water. Alcohol and coffee can dehydrate you.
7. Curb your alcohol consumption. Alcoholic beverages contain hidden calories. Try a Bloody Mary or wine spritzer for fewer calories.
8. Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing or pants with an elastic band to parties and dinners. You’ll likely eat more since you won’t feel any discomfort like you would with tighter, more form-fitting clothing.
9. Take the focus off food. Spend more time talking with friends and family, rather than eating.
10. Chew gum. To avoid nibbling after you’ve eaten, chew gum.
11. Take holiday walks. Add physical activity to your routine by taking walks to enjoy the holiday decorations.
12. Be realistic. Focus on maintaining your current weight. And don’t stress if you do gain a little weight – just add more exercise to your routine.

Excess Weight Can Cause Foot Pain

ezWalker Custom Fit Orthotic

When you carry extra weight due holiday eating, you’re putting more force on your feet as you walk. Your foot muscles, tendons and ligaments stretch and become weaker. Eventually, over time, they can give out, causing your arches to flatten. Once this happens, you may develop pain in your feet, knees, hips and lower back. Also, you can develop overpronation, plantar fasciitis and other foot conditions.

Custom orthotics, like ezWalker® Custom Fit Orthotics, are bio-mechanically designed to correctly support the three arches of your feet while evenly redistributing your body weight over both of your feet. Your whole body will be properly aligned. Additionally, these custom orthotics reduce the impact or shock forces on your feet, so you’ll experience greater pain relief.

ezWalker® Custom Fit Orthotics are ultra thin and ¾ length, so they easily fit in most shoes, including dressy holiday footwear. For more information, visit the WalkEZStore.com. Or, order your pair of ezWalker® Custom Fit Orthotics today for an added spring in your step this holiday season.

Because … when your feet feel good, you feel good.®

Disclaimer: The information included in this article is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.