Beat the Post-Holiday Bulge

If the “most wonderful time of the year” has left you with the unwanted gift of a few extra pounds, we at Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle want to encourage you to be proactive. Although a couple of pounds may not seem like a big deal overall, carrying extra weight can be harmful to your feet. There are many foot conditions that are caused or made worse by being overweight. These include:

●        Flat feet

●        Plantar fasciitis

●        Metatarsalgia

●        Arthritis and other joint disorders

●        Sesamoiditis

Tip the Scale in Your Favor

For most people, it’s easier to gain weight than to lose it. You can, however, safely lose those few extra pounds by making some small changes to your diet and lifestyle. Some tips to try:

●        Eat a healthy breakfast. Studies show that people who lose weight and successfully keep it off start their day with a healthy breakfast. This gets your metabolism going and helps keep blood sugar levels steady.

●        Drink lots of water. Water flushes toxins for your body and will make you feel full. Try a large glass shortly before a meal.

●        Don’t go back for seconds. So much about overeating has to do with our head and not our stomach. Try having a small amount of a food you are craving and then wait a while. Chances are you will be satisfied and not need an additional serving.

●        Use a smaller plate. This will automatically cause you to reduce your portion sizes. Make sure that vegetables take up the most space on your plate, followed by lean protein and complex carbohydrates.

●        Stock up on healthy snacks. Fruits, nuts, veggies, hummus and other nutrient dense snacks that are low in fat, sugars and calories can help you get through times when you feel hungry or just want something to nibble on.

●        Be active. Find simple ways to add more movement to your day. Walk while you talk on the phone, park at the far end of the lot at the store and take the stairs instead of the elevator.

If you are experiencing any new or worse foot pain after the holidays, make an appointment at our nature coast offices in Spring Hill (352-683-5799) or Hudson (727-868-2128), Florida to get your feet examined. Our podiatrists, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales and Dr. Alexis Kreplick will determine the source of the pain and the right treatment.