The holiday season is notorious for saying buh-bye to nutrition and hello to weight gain, as calorie-laden foods seem to be everywhere. Whether you’re grabbing that extra snowman cookie from the office kitchen, eating more than your fill of chocolate at holiday parties, or living with family members who can’t stop cooking and baking fattening treats, it’s important to use some restraint during the seasonal craziness.

The orthopedic doctors at IMUA Orthopedics, Sports & Health in Honolulu, HI, stress that while indulging during the holidays is perfectly fine, it’s important not to fully fall off the nutrition wagon. There’s still plenty of ways to eat healthy during this wonderful time of year, with the wellness coaching experts offering the following tips to help you with food choices:

• Eat Healthy Foods First: Fill up on salad, soup, veggies, rice, and other healthy foods while attending holiday parties and similar affairs. By the time you get to the sweet stuff, you’ll already feel satisfied.
• Don’t Skip Meals: Never skip meals, regardless of the time of year, but especially before attending holiday gatherings. Going to an event hungry is a surefire way to make poor food decisions.

• Watch The Alcohol: Avoid drinking too much during the holidays, as alcohol is full of empty calories. Your favorite orthopedic doctors also note that drinking a lot is a direct path to cookies and cake due to lowered inhibitions.
• Keep Healthy Snacks In The House: Survive holiday temptation by loading up on healthy options for home snacking. Avoid keeping goodies in the house and enjoy them (within reason) only when out and about.

Honolulu’s best orthopedic doctors also strongly emphasize exercising amidst holiday madness. Enjoy brisk morning walks in the chilly winter air, take advantage of your gym membership, practice yoga at home, or do anything else you enjoy that burns calories. Many use busy holiday schedules as a reason to forgo exercise, but it’s very important not only to stay healthy and in shape, but to combat stress.

For more on nutrition help, wellness coaching, and other services available through IMUA Orthopedics, Sports & Health, please call (808) 521-8170 or visit the website today.