News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
A local dietitian is encouraging people to be active and avoid overeating during the holiday season.
Dr. Holly Bundrant of Hope and Health Nutrition Services says staying active can help offset pounds accumulated from Thanksgiving.
“It tends to be a time of year where people can eat more than usual,” Bundrant says. “Just try to plan physical activity whether it’s before someone goes to a family gathering or party, or even at a family gathering, or making a new tradition to go out and get exercise after a meal later in the afternoon.”
Bundrant says being prepared and knowing what foods will be available ahead of time will help prevent over-consumption.
“Decide ahead of time ‘OK, which ones do I really enjoy, and which ones do I not like so much,'” Bundrant says. “Enjoy eating the ones that someone likes, but don’t even deal with the ones that they don’t really appreciate so much. Try not to waste calories on foods that you don’t really enjoy.”
Bundrant says something as simple as modifying a recipe can go a long way for those looking to maintain or lose weight.
“If people can modify some of their recipes to cut back on the sugar and cut back on the fat, then that can be helpful,” Bundrant says. “Especially when you’re thinking about going through the holidays. We’ve got Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. If people can even maintain their weight through the holidays, I feel like that’s a victory so they’re not going to have 10-15 pounds… and they’re going to decide how they’re going to get that off.”
Bundrant also encourages people to focus on balancing their meals rather than focusing on individual parts or portions.
