What would the holidays be if they were all picture perfect? If all the stress of juggling year end reports and parent-teacher conferences were not enough, you now have to clean, cook a feast, and think of putting up with your in-laws! No, we are not offering you medication for that, but here are a few helpful tips:

All home baked good freeze beautifully and keep for minimum of three months. Make your desserts now, and enlist the kids help, they will be very proud to take full credit.
Stock up now on essential items both non perishable foods and toiletries that guests may need, so you don’t have to run out at odd hours to replace a toothbrush.
Start your holiday shopping early and set a goal to finish before Black Friday because those savings are minimal when you compare to the stress of battling long lines and traffic.

Most importantly, to make this holiday season great you need to look and feel your best. Everyone wants to fit into their sexy black dress for the Holiday parties. It’s time to lose a few extra pounds that have been hanging around since the last set of parties. How should you do it? Exercise is a good thought and a must no matter what. Unfortunately, decreasing the number of calories you take in is the primary step and it is the real, unpleasant but necessary step. You can come in and see our dietitian, and can even consider weight loss medication. We have a strong integrated approach that is quite successful with almost everyone. It’s well worth passing up a few boring high calorie take out meals now and dream of those delicious upcoming holiday treats like Christmas cookies, eggnogs, and potato latkes instead. You can also think of rehabbing (lightening up) some of your family favorites by using less fat and sugar or coming up with new traditional treats you can have while wearing your skinny jeans.

Give yourself the gift of health by scheduling your Physical ASAP, because they are free for each calendar year. If you don’t use it, you lose it. Physicals are important because they can discover issues you didn’t know you had such as high blood pressure, thyroid problems, etc., and fixing those will allow you to start 2018 healthy!