The season of festive eating is upon us, and here at Podiatry Center of New Jersey, we want to caution our patients about the negative effects of overeating on your feet. Remember, they have to carry every pound of your body. Being overweight greatly increases the risk and severity of several common foot problems, including flat feet, plantar fasciitis, and ankle sprains. In addition, weighing more than you should also make you more likely to develop diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, which have a whole host of disabling foot conditions associated with them. Even though there are lots of holiday goodies around, it is possible to avoid ending up without a belly that “shakes like a bowlful of jelly,” like you know who!
Below are some do’s and don’ts to help:
Do: Stick to your regular healthy eating regimen as much as possible. That means eating three nutritious meals a day with a few appropriate snacks. Even when you are at a holiday dinner or party, you can still look for foods that fit into your healthy eating plan. Focus on lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables and limit the carbs, sugars, and fatty dips and sauces. It doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing proposition, but try not to go overboard.
Don’t: Starve and binge. One strategy many people employ that usually fails is eating next to nothing the day of a party so they can “let loose” at the event. This usually results in consuming way more calories because you feel “entitled” to do so. Better to eat normally and even have a snack before you go so you won’t be starving when you arrive.
Do: Drink plenty of water and seltzer. Not only will this help you feel fuller, but if you intersperse no-calorie beverages with alcoholic ones, it will result in lower calorie consumption.
Don’t: Forego exercising due to a busy holiday schedule. Your regular exercise routine will be a key weapon in fighting off weight gain. It will also help you sleep better and feel less stressed, which can reduce the amount of food you crave.
Do: Adopt a strategic party plan. Don’t stand and talk next to the buffet table. Scope out all your food choices and make deliberate decisions about what you’ll pick. After you have finished the food on your plate, put it in the sink or throw it away so you’re not tempted to go back for more.
At Podiatry Center of New Jersey, our team of doctors treats various conditions such as sports injuries, diabetic foot problems, pediatric foot conditions, toe deformities, arthritis, nail fungus, arch problems, and heel pain. Equipped with advanced technologies and dedicated staff, our 16 conveniently located offices provide individualized high-quality care for patients across Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Ocean, Passaic, and Union Counties. For all your foot and ankle problems, contact our Wayne, NJ office at (973) 925-4111 for an appointment.
