Why are we at Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center focused on preventing weight gain? Your weight and your feet have an intimate relationship. For every pound you lose, you reduce the pressure on your lower extremities by four times that amount. The same is true in reverse when you gain weight. The holidays are a difficult time to stick to healthy eating habits. Below are 7 tips to help you keep the numbers on the scale from going up.

1. Take a taste. Many times, when we long for a particular food, a small amount will satisfy if you give it a chance. Instead of five Christmas cookies, have one and wait a while. You may find that one is enough.
2. Eat before parties. While you may think refraining from eating will save calories you can use for eating festive foods but, in reality, it usually tricks your brain into thinking you can eat more than you should. Have a small, healthy meal before you go and then eat in moderation at the party.
3. Stay active. As hard as it may be during the busy holiday season, try to stick with your regular exercise regimen. If necessary, divide your routine in half and do it in two segments as the day allows.
4. Get enough sleep. Studies have shown that people who lack sleep tend to overeat.
5. Choose a smaller plate. Use a dessert plate for the main course buffet to automatically reduce portion sizes. Once you’ve finished what’s on the plate, put it in the sink or throw away so that you’re not tempted to go back for seconds.
6. Be a hostess helper. Clearing food and doing dishes will give you a chance to talk to people and keep you away from the food table.
7. Avoid foods that can trigger attacks. These include red meat, shellfish, brandy, rich sauces, beer, and other alcoholic beverages. If you have never had gout but wake up in the middle of the night after a holiday party with extreme pain in the joint of your big toe, contact our Long Beach office as soon as possible. This may be the sign of a gout attack, and our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria Foley, and Dr. Constance Omelas will want to examine you. To schedule an appointment, call us at (562) 420-9800.