So the holidays are upon us and if you are like me the access to rich and high caloric foods are plenty.  The trick is to limit food intake and closely monitor the quantities eaten.  I want to give suggestions to help so that the New Years Resolutions will not seem to be so monumental.  Obesity is a growing concern in the United States. Half of the U.S. adult population is overweight or obese. Factors contributing to weight gain include increased stress, hunger, reduced activity, and smoking habits.  The problem is that the mean weight of adults increases significantly during the holiday period. . Thats why its important to maintain a balanced weight, because even a very small imbalance can greatly affect weight gain.  Many health issues develop from over eating such as

• Osteoarthritis (a degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint)
• Type 2 diabetes
• Coronary heart disease
• Stroke
• Gallbladder disease
• Sleep apnea and respiratory problems.

The following are some suggestions on how to reduce the temptations of holiday eating:

• Limit alcohol consumption. Alcohol is a major source of calories, plus it leads to the munchies.
• Limit soda and other sweetened beverages. These are loaded with sugar and citric acid and add extra calories.
• Schedule holiday food celebrations at normal meal times. Celebrations outside the normal eating hour can unbalance natural hunger and alter eating habits.
• Use smaller plates. Larger plates hold more food and increase the likelihood of overeating.
• Eat a healthy snack or drink a full glass of water before a holiday party. Your hunger will be satisfied and youll be less likely to overeat.
• Brush your teeth when youre finished eating. Besides practicing good oral hygiene, youre less likely to munch throughout the remainder of the day

Remember that making intelligent decisions about your diet now will give you a better chance of success in 2009.

Dr. Antolak treats his dental patients in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where you are treated like a guest in the home.  His motto is to relax while we take care of your smile. He specializes in cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry and general dentistry using sedation dentistry if necessary for his high fear patients. He has been treating patients for the past 21 years and is located in Shelby Township, Macomb County, Michigan.

Give us a call at (586)247-3500 or email DrAntolak@TheGentleDentist.com for more information.