Too Much Turkey!

Fischer Food for Thought

November 24, 2010

Embrace the Holiday Season–Including the Food!

The following is a new Forever Athletes Blog feature contributed by Dr. Rachel Fischer, a local Forever Athlete, specializing in occupational and environmental health.  In addition to  her doctorate (Univ. of Utah), she also has dual masters degrees–Masters of Science in Epidemiology (Univ. of Utah) and Masters of Public Health (Univ. of Washington).  Outside of the clinic, Dr. Fischer enjoys road cycling, cross-country skiing, cross-fit…she’s a self-proclaimed exercise-enthusiast.  She also shared with us that she did not start medical school until age 35.  Aligning with a Forever Athletes theme of “It’s never too late”, she too feels strongly that you CAN in fact start something new at almost any age and be successful ._____________________________________________________

This is not the typical message from health writers and nutrition experts when it comes to the holidays.  Most of the recommendations presented in the popular press are usually great strategies for avoiding weight gain and undoing all the healthy changes you’ve incorporated into your life.  But here’s the truth:  Thanksgiving is one day. Christmas is one day (maybe two if you count Christmas Eve). Okay, so Hanukah is eight days and Kwanzaa is seven, but you get the point.

We make a really big deal about how a few days are going to affect our health, well-being and our weight.  Here’s another truth.  Most medical studies show that the average weight gain for adults during the holidays is one pound.  Keep in mind this is weight gained over a period of six to eight days.  We know why studies include days before and after the actual holiday—that’s when all the pre-holiday parties occur and when the leftovers have to be eaten.

So here’s my simple recommendation for keeping yourself healthy during the holidays while still enjoying the festivities—on the day of the actual holiday, eat whatever you want.  This is your chance to savor your aunt’s amazing stuffing or your sister’s sinful pecan pie.  Your friends and relatives only whip out their favorite recipe once a year—so enjoy and thank them for it.

And what to do on those days leading up to the “big day”? Keep it simple.  Stay true as possible to your normal healthy routine—maintain your regular exercise schedule and get enough sleep to feel rested.  Both these things make it easier to resist quick-energy high-carbohydrate foods.  When special treats are offered, eat them in quantities that feel satisfying but not indulgent.  After a big holiday, don’t hold onto the leftovers that call you to the kitchen at midnight.  Alternative solutions: give them away or (radical thought here) throw them away.  Your body will thank you later.

Have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!

Rachel Fischer, MD, MPH

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