During Christmas dinner, self control often flies out the window

The table is set and your eyes are agog; every single dish looks enticing. And hey, it’s Christmas, why not indulge yourself this one night out of the year? Talk about a dangerous scenario for weight-watchers, albeit a very common one. Holiday recipes make it very difficult to stick to your normal, healthy eating routine. Read on to find our tips for controlling yourself at Christmas dinner.

Overindulgence is the order of the day

No one wants to be the family member locked on the couch with a food baby and indigestion! Following these tips will ensure that you don’t go overboard at Christmas dinner:

• Avoid saving your appetite for dinner: this is a sure way to overeat. Eating a normal breakfast, lunch and even a snack is the right way to set yourself up for portion control. 
• Bring a nutritious dish: put your money where your mouth is! 
• Drink water throughout the day and a cup before dinner: this will help you feel just that tiny bit more full so that you eat a bit less at dinner.
• Tea or fruit for dessert; or, if you must, just one slice of pie!
• Avoid feelings of guilt: the world does not end because you failed yourself and your diet miserably. Pick up the pieces and start again. 

After the festivities are over, check in at your Sacramento chiropractor for a healthy start to 2018

If you let your health priorities fly out the window this holiday season, don’t beat yourself up over it! After all, as humans we are made to err. But continuing to indulge in the vein of Christmas is not likely to do your body any favors. If you are looking for a fresh start to 2018, give our office in Sacramento a call to schedule an appointment for the new year. We are standing by to help realign your spine and set you on a healthy foot forward going into the new year. 

The post Portion Control: Christmas Dinner Edition appeared first on Espinosa Family Chiropractic.

Christmas is full of dietary pitfalls

While watching weight will be a primary priority for most people, back pain sufferers should pay attention to the amount of inflammatory agents they consume. Many christmas recipes are chalk full of inflammatory ingredients; sugar and saturated fats are among the worse culprits. We don’t want you to skip out on your favorite meals, but a dash of awareness goes a long way when it comes to managing your back pain this holiday season.

Is there such a thing as an anti-inflammatory Christmas recipe?

Yes, but you have to think outside the box. There are many recipes available online for people looking to minimze their intake of inflammatory ingredients this holiay season. One of the best things you can do is focus on replacing sugar and butter with anti-inflammatory substitues; you will get an equally delicious result with much healthier inputs. If your back is causing you pain during Christmas dinner, use techniques such as ice, stretching and purposeful movement to fight inflammation. Ibuprofen is a good anti-inflammatory that should be used as a last resort.

Whatever the case, make sure you go into the holiday season prepared to manage your inflammation and back pain naturally

At our office in Sacramento, we are equipped to help people take the fight to their back pain. Using natural modalities such as spinal adjustment and deep tissue therapy, we help you fight off inflammation and preserve range of motion. If you are interested in keeping your back pain free this christmas season, give our office a call to schedule an appointment today. 

The post An Anti-Inflammatory Christmas Feast appeared first on Espinosa Family Chiropractic.