Vim & Vigor - Winter 2017 - Gwinnett Medical Center - 55

Indulge-just a little bit
While it's true that many holiday
favorites are high in fat, sugar and
calories, that doesn't mean you should
deprive yourself. "If you want to try
something, try it," Dana says. "There's
a happy medium between having a huge
helping and skipping it completely."
"The idea of depriving yourself and
saying to yourself 'I can't' triggers a
rebellious switch in most of us," adds
Devin Vicknair, PhD, a behavioral health
specialist with CWM. "Before long, we
start an internal dialogue and justify
overeating by saying, 'I'll restart my
diet tomorrow.'"
"My trick," Dana explains, "is to take a
spoonful of everything I see. Sometimes
I like them all and sometimes I don't, but
at least I let myself try them." This way
you're able to focus on what you can have
instead of what you can't.
"While it is important to have a
variety of foods," Dr. Vicknair adds, "it's
important to proceed with intention
rather than impulse." This means that
you are still methodical and calculated
and making choices rather than
impulse-snacking or overindulging.

Put yourself first ...
It may sound counterintuitive during
this time of year, but it's an important
concept to remember when it comes to
healthy habits. "Don't compare yourself

Dana Norman, a bariatric surgery
patient, says old pictures help
remind her how far she's come.

to everyone else," Dana says. "It's got
to be about you." When you see other
people indulging in tasty treats or
skipping exercise, it can be tempting to
kick your healthy behaviors to the curb.
To stop this impulse in its tracks,
revisit your motivation and purpose for
adopting healthy behaviors. Maybe it's
an old picture, a quote, a journal or just
a personal item that helps you regroup
and feel positive about your health goals.
"I keep old pictures and old pieces of
clothes," Dana says. "It makes me feel
proud about how far I've come." Adding
to this, Dr. Vicknair notes, "I encourage
patients to keep a list of motivators and
read them daily, especially when under
tempting situations."

... And seek out support
WEBSITE

Is Bariatric
Surgery Right
for You?
To learn more about how
GMC's Center for Weight
Management can help you
the way it helped Dana, visit
gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/
bariatrics.

As the time of year that's known for
reconnecting with friends and family, the
holidays are the perfect opportunity to
share your health goals with those closest
to you. You'll likely be surprised by the
amount of support and encouragement
you receive. Furthermore, having a
support system is a great way to gain
reassurance and motivation during
challenging times, as well as to celebrate
and recognize accomplishments. "Keep
in mind that not everyone will share
the same motivation, but sharing your
goals with loved ones can encourage
accountability," Dr. Vicknair explains.

Focus on nutrition
When it comes to weight loss, it's easy
to get ﬁ xated on calories, fat, sodium
and sugar; however, you don't want to
overlook the importance of nutrition.
"I learned several valuable tips when it
comes to making your calories count
for you," Dana says.
Vitamins and supplements
can be a great source of important
nutrients. When available, opt for
the chewable, not gummy, version.
This will be absorbed by your
body faster.
Get enough protein each day,
especially if you are exercising
regularly. This will help you stay full
and support the growth and
development of new muscles.
Stay hydrated with anything
but soda-this includes diet soda.
While these tasty drinks may be
refreshing, they provide no health
beneﬁts for your body.
Don't be afraid to try
something new! Dana is always
looking for new ideas for recipes and
snacks. For instance, she's tried
spiraled zucchini noodles, as well as
using her food dehydrator on assorted
fruits and veggies. As Dana says,
"Make it your own and put a little
health back into your holiday." ■
WINTE R 2017

55
http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/bariatrics http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/bariatrics
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