Weighing in the factors of holiday health

Small changes in shopping, eating and exercise habits can make all the difference

MOSES LAKE — Holidays and health: It is often hard for people to enjoy one without sacrificing the other, but it is possible.

In an average holiday season when people can gain anywhere from five to eight pounds, the key to maintaining individual health is awareness, said Dr. Craig Hart, internal medicine doctor at the Moses Lake Clinic.

Try to maintain a regular exercise schedule and when going to a holiday party plan ahead and make adjustments to individual eating schedules before, rather than during or after social gatherings, Hart said.

Making changes on the family grocery list can help maintain a healthy food intake too.

People are already starting to drink more wine and ice cream sales are always one of the top selling items as the holidays get closer, said Bill Smith, store manager at the Moses Lake Food Pavilion.

Using wheat flour instead of white and staying away from artificial sweeteners like NutraSweet can help lower the intake of sugars and carbohydrates, said Jill Newhouse, manager of the Health Pantry in Moses Lake.

Using carob as a substitute for chocolate is another way to lower sugar intake, which Newhouse says is beneficial for people with diabetes. "The biggest ill we suffer over the holidays is overindulgence of sugary substances that mess with our emotions which are already high," she said.

For some, knowing where their weaknesses lie is one way to fight the battle of the bulge this time of year.

"It's the pies," said local resident Anna Hansen while shopping at Food Pavilion last week of her family's downfall when it comes to eating holiday sweets. "It's all about practicing self control and portion control," she said.

As for finding ways to avoid physical and emotional burn out, Tony McCarty, general manager at the South Campus Athletic Club, encourages people to avoid taking on too much. "You can't do everything, and you will become stressed and fatigued if you try to."

Try to maintain a regular exercise program, prioritize social engagements and avoid getting into a routine of eating fast food when schedules become busy, McCarty said.