Undoing Holiday Diet Damage
Did you overindulge in sweets, rich meals and holiday treats this season? At NY Foot Health we always emphasize the connection between maintaining a proper weight and your podiatric health. Your feet carry the entire weight of your body. Being overweight causes your feet to work harder and increases pain from existing conditions as well as putting you at risk for developing new foot problems. When you gain weight, it may also cause a shift in your posture and alter the way you walk. These changes can affect your arches and also the tendons in your feet and ankles.
So, if you put on a few extra pounds over the holidays, take steps now to lose that weight and get back on track. Below are some tips for shedding extra pounds:
Scale back on portion size. It’s not just what you eat, it’s how much. Most of us choose portions that are bigger than we need. Keep in mind that a serving of chicken, fish or meat should be about the size of your fist. You can lose weight simply by cutting portion size in half.
Re-design your plate. Start by filling half of your plate with vegetables and salad. Fill the last two quarters with lean protein and noodles, potatoes or other carbohydrates.
Drink more water. Sometimes when we think we’re hungry, we’re actually thirsty. Drink half your weight in ounces of water every day and you’ll feel fuller which will cause you to eat less.
Get moving. Although changing what you eat will have the greatest influence on the scale, exercise can definitely help you burn calories and raise your metabolism. Before starting a new exercise program, get the okay from your general practitioner and your podiatrist. (Need to locate a podiatrist in your area? Use our online directory.) The foot doctor will make sure that existing foot conditions are under control and can recommend activities and footwear designs that will best accommodate any podiatric problems that you have.
Managing your weight can help prevent chronic diseases, increase your mobility and improve your overall quality of life. To learn more about our Obesity Prevention program or other foot health issues, contact us.