Healthy Eating Tips to Help Your Waistline and Your Feet

Nov 6

Written By New York Foot Health - NYSPMA

At NY Foot Health, we know we are fast approaching the weight danger zone on the calendar. That seriously tempting time to overeat, which starts with Thanksgiving and ends sometime in mid-January after all the holiday celebrations and the last of the Christmas cookies are gone.

Managing your weight is a key factor in keeping your feet healthy. After all, your feet carry the weight of your entire body. It's estimated that here in New York, 39% of the population is obese, and many more are overweight. Carrying excess pounds strains your feet and increases your risk and the seriousness of many common foot problems such as heel pain, flat feet, chronic ankle pain, ball of foot pain, and more. In addition, being overweight increases your risk for diabetes and heart disease, which are often accompanied by conditions that pose a serious threat to your podiatric health.

Take Action Now

Before the holidays begin is the perfect time to start making positive changes in your eating habits. Try some of the ideas below to get started:

Make smart substitutions—if you are a big soda drinker, switch to flavored, zero-calorie seltzer. Like crunch? Go for carrot sticks over chips. Crave sweets at night? Try zero-fat, no-added-sugar yogurt—some even come in dessert flavors like salted caramel and strawberry cheesecake.
Control portions—be mindful as you fill your plate. Use vegetables to fill up half your plate, with a quarter each for whole grains and lean proteins.
Buffet wisely—when approaching a table, look at all your choices and pick mostly healthy foods with a few of your holiday favorites.
Plan your strategy—cocktail parties are notorious for overeating. Have one plate of food and then put your plate in the kitchen. Don’t stand near the food table while having conversations. Alternate alcoholic beverages with water or seltzer.
Slow and steady wins the race—eat small portions of healthy foods throughout the day. Don't starve during the week and binge on weekends or eat nothing the day of a party. These strategies ultimately cause you to overeat because you think you "deserve" it.
Don’t forget to add regular exercise to your weekly routine—no matter how busy the holidays get. This will help you keep your weight down, decrease stress, and improve your overall health. If you have any foot pain that is keeping you from exercising, contact your podiatrist to get it evaluated. Don't have a podiatrist? Look at our online directory to find one in your area.