diabetes-and-holidays-mirando-chiropracticWith the passing of Thanksgiving comes the beginning of the holiday season. Many of us have put off monitoring our body weight and body mass index. Extra weight and increased body mass increases the possibility of long-term diseases, such as Diabetes.

Diabetes triggers lots of unwanted symptoms, including Heart Disease, Arterial Sclerosis, kidney failure, and Diabetic Neuropathy. Eating in and around the holiday is usual and expected, but making some smart decisions will help keep off or reduce weight gain during this tempting period. One pointer is to minimize the high calorie side dishes, such as large portions of stuffing, mash potatoes, and especially maple syrup covered sweet potatoes. This not only has high starch/sugar content, but it is increased by the sugar from the maple syrup.

One good option is to use a sugar-free alternative. The second tip would be to avoid the second helping. Take your time while eating to allow the “appestat” in the stomach to alert your brain that you are full. The third tip is to watch your first, that is, your first helping. Make sure you take less on your plate than it can hold. Maximize green vegetables to compensate for the left over space on your plate. Finally, enjoy your holidays sensibly and remember extra weight also creates premature degenerative changes in your spine that can become a life-time problem. Weight loss, Chiropractic care, and wellness go hand-in-hand with living a better life in the future.

Happy Holidays!

Dr. Mirando

(Image by condesign)