Suzy Kent, manager of Medical Weight Loss Clinic’s Kalamazoo location works closely with her patients. And this Thanksgiving holiday she’s pleased to report that among nearly all of them are committed to the safe alternative of staying within their household for the holiday.
At Medical Weight Loss Clinic we know Thanksgiving can pose a challenge to our patients and we’re here to help you through it.
She took an informal poll last week and says she’s “really thrilled” to see her patients putting their health and safety first. It’s not an easy change to make when most Americans gather with friends and family for Thanksgiving.
While we all know that Thanksgiving is a food-centric holiday, the food itself isn’t the biggest challenge for most patients in 2020.
“There is a lot of depression going on,” Suzy says. “We have a large number of retired, female patients at our clinic. They are the ones having a really tough time with this.”
But there are ways to prepare for a different kind of Thanksgiving, she says.
It’s possible to plan to FaceTime or video chat with family. It might not feel quite the same but it can offer a sense of connection. For her own family, Thanksgiving is a time when her son and daughter return home and they watch the Dallas Cowboys play football. This year, they’ll tune in from their respective homes and videochat throughout the game.
“It’s a way to still be face-to-face and keep that tradition alive,” she says.
For parents who are working from home and balancing children of all ages returning home to attend school remotely, it can seem there is no time left to focus on health, weight loss and well-being. To those patients, Suzy offers an understanding ear and some solid advice. She suggests taking time out each day – even if it’s just 30 minutes – to walk, talk to a good friend and engage in a project you enjoy.
Thanksgiving celebrations may be different this year, but there are so many ways to stay on a healthy path.
No matter how challenging the pandemic has become, maintaining healthy goals might be more important than ever. Counselors will even schedule calls with those patients who can’t come into the clinic.
Suzy understands the challenges her patients are facing. She too lost weight – 134 pounds – and has kept it off successfully. “I do believe if I can do it, anyone can do it.”
She attributes that success to working closely with counselors who made her feel like she was “the most important person in the room.” And she never forgot that. A Medical Weight Loss Clinic employee since 2008, it’s that same patient connection she enjoys the most.
For patients who do express concern about facing a table full of Thanksgiving food this year, she has a suggestion. “I am a believer in a small spoonful so you can taste it.”
That’s one way to avoid feeling deprived and over-eating pumpkin pie later that night. And our website has plenty of healthy recipes for those looking for inspiration this year.
“The best way to show gratefulness and thankfulness this year is to take care of ourselves and others,” Suzy adds.
Feeling anxious about staying on track this holiday season? Contact us at Medical Weight Loss Clinic to schedule your free consultation online or by calling 1-800-GET-SLIM.
