The holidays are always one of the year’s brightest seasons. They’re a time for families to reconnect and enjoy each other’s company while also enjoying tasty meals. However, many of us tend to overdo it during this time of the year. Eating too much during the holidays causes seasonal weight gain in many older Americans.
Shedding excess weight is tough. This year, why not stop yourself from putting it on in the first place? You can do so by checking out these tips for stopping holiday weight gain.
You don’t have to avoid all holiday food just because you’re focusing on your health this year. Instead, just try to make smarter decisions about how you consume it. For example, use low or reduced-fat recipes and ingredients as often as possible. Doing so will save you more calories than you think.
Similarly, older adults should pay attention to portions this holiday season. In the excitement of the moment, we often put more on our plates than we realize. By cutting down your portion sizes, you can eat a little of everything you want without feeling stuffed after the meal is over.
Another way you can prevent holiday weight gain this year is by focusing on drinks. Many of us consume a wide variety of our favorite beverages while spending time with our families. However, we often fail to realize how many calories are in these drinks.
You could stop weight gain in its tracks this year by simply cutting out sugary and alcoholic drinks. At the very least, be mindful of what you’re putting into your body while you consume them this holiday season.
You can also work towards preventing weight gain by keeping yourself active this holiday season. Take walks and try to shoot for around 10,000 steps each day. You can even use your exercise time as an opportunity to bond with family members. This can make the process of keeping yourself fit fun, which makes it more likely you’ll stick with your routine.
You can also make a difference by standing for 10 minutes per hour. Doing this keeps your blood flowing and can reduce your appetite. It’s another step you can take to enjoy the holidays without sacrificing your health.
Get Your Free 2021 Guide to Medicare
If you’ve already gained weight, that’s okay. It happens to all of us. Thankfully, you may be able to use your Medicare health insurance to get help with shedding those excess pounds.
Medicare Part B covers nutrition therapy services for covered individuals who have diabetes or kidney disease. This can include a free initial nutrition assessment, therapy, follow-up visits, and more.
Your Medicate Part B coverage also includes obesity screenings and behavioral counseling for individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or more. This service can provide you with the support you need to lose weight more efficiently and effectively.
Want to learn more about your weight-loss options under Medicare? Consider reaching out to Time For 65’s partnered licensed agents. They’ll tell you more about how you can leverage your coverage to work towards your goals. You can reach them by filling out this form or giving us a call.
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