With a little planning and attention, you can create some moderation momentum that will carry you into a healthier New Year and beyond.

1. Create Some Moderation Momentum
to Avoid the “Holiday 10”

2. From Tricks and Treats to holiday feasts, many fall and winter festivities
focus on food - and lots of it!
But for too many of us, a season of overeating leads to a winter of
discontent - and eventually to serious long-term health complications.
According to the National Institutes of Health, holiday eating can result
in an extra pound or two every year, and a recent Weight Watchers
report says that the average American gains around 7-10 pounds during
winter holidays.

3. Unhealthy eating is a hard habit to break, even after the holidays are
over. Get out in front of your holiday eating this year.
With a little planning and attention, you can create some moderation
momentum that will carry you into a healthier New Year and beyond.

4. Maintain, don’t gain. Let’s face it: Dinners, parties, gift baskets, and all
kinds of seasonal goodies are par for the course around the holidays.
Sample everything in moderation and make it your goal to maintain
your current weight.
If you can avoid the “Holiday 10,” you’ll be ahead of the game.

5. Exercise, and make it a habit. Take a lap around the airport between
holiday flights. Take a family walk after dinner. Better yet, use some of
the time off from work and school to establish a regular exercise
routine.

6. Eat regular meals, and don’t skip meals. It’s a bad idea to go to the
grocery store hungry, and it’s a terrible idea to starve yourself all day in
anticipation of a holiday buffet. Sticking to regular, healthy meals makes
it much easier to sensibly handle holiday temptations.

7. Drinks matter, too. Alcohol can induce overeating, but adult drinks
aren’t the only cause for concern. Americans take in an abundance of
calories from sugary drinks year round, and the holidays ramp it up with
an assortment of punches, eggnog and the like. Try alternating
beverages with glasses of water or tea.

8. Offer to bring food. If you’re invited to a holiday party, offer to bring
your own healthy dish to pass. You know you’ll like it, you’ll know how
it’s made, and you know it won’t derail your best-laid eating plans.
This can be especially useful for people with specific dietary needs,
from vegetarians to diabetics to kids with food allergies.

9. Strike a balance. If you happen to overeat at one meal, go light on the
next. Stock your buffet plate with small portions of a variety of food,
including lots of fruit and veggies. If you know you’re headed for a big
night out, stick to healthy meals in the days leading up to it. Keep some
healthy snacks on hand - like raw veggies and the Mississippi Spiced
Pecans listed here - that can take the edge off in times of temptation.

10. Companion Care
Trained, insured and bonded BrightStar caregivers will plan activities
that will be both stimulating and enjoyable. We can provide any level of
companionship you desire to achieve a quality of life you need.
Our Companionship services include:
• Adult and elderly home companion visits
• Assist with writing letters and correspondence
• Help to connect with loved ones through e-mail and social media
• Expectant and new mother support
• Engage in stimulating activities such as art projects and reading
• Schedule assistance
• Respite and family relief
• Sitter services

11. Home Support
BrightStar’s home companion services can provide travel
companionship, minor housework, bathing, grooming, and much more.
We are there for you. It’s just one more way we’re making more
possible in the lives of those we care for.
Our Home Support services:
• Light housekeeping
• Laundry
• Create customized grocery lists in accordance with dietary needs and
preferences
• Meal preparation and cooking
• Home organization
• Feed and care for pets

12. Outside Support
It doesn’t matter if it’s senior transportation around town, or disability
assistance on a business trip or vacation, we can offer a full range of
adult and senior services to assist you. Call us and our dedicated
caregivers can be there to get you where you need to go. At the drop of
a dime.
Outside Support includes:
• Facilitate visits with friends and neighbors
• Plan visits, outings and trips
• Schedule assistance
• Senior transportation services
• Transportation to and from doctor appointments, social events, etc.
• Travel companionship
• Shopping and errands

13. Find Quality Care Now
Locate a BrightStar Near You!
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