An Apple Watch can do wonders for helping you reach your health goals. If you don’t have one, try setting reminders on your calendar to get up and walk around throughout the work day.
The holidays can seem daunting when you’re working hard to stick to a healthy lifestyle. The professionals at Medical Weight Loss Clinic understand this better than most and are here to help their patients through those challenges.
Regional Manager Mona Brant, at Medical Weight Loss Clinic, reminds us that it’s important to stay consistent to reach our goals. “We treat each Holiday as a Holi-DAY which means it is just a day,” says Mona. “Don’t let that one day off track turn into several days and you will be OK!”
What gifts we give and receive can make a difference to help us stay on the right path, too. Our staff shared some of their most treasured items that contribute to healthy habits, and some gadgets that make great gifts, too.
Mona’s must-have gift for loved ones this season is an air fryer.
“They come in all types of sizes and colors. I have a mint green one.” And she suggests checking stores like Kohl’s or Bed Bath & Beyond to find one at a great price. Keep an eye out for coupons, she adds.
Kelly Smith, sales director at Medical Weight Loss Clinic, mentioned three great gifts to keep us all on track. She’s a fan of the Norpro Egg Perfect Egg Timer to make hard-boiled eggs you can enjoy anytime. She also likes using a burger press - which will not only press a perfect burger but can be used to keep portion sizes in check when cooking beef, chicken or turkey burgers. Kelly also recommends the Cactaki water bottle, which comes with time markers on it so it’s easy to track your water intake and space it out all day. “It makes water drinking fun and is environmentally friendly,” she says. All of these items can be found online with the click of a mouse.
Laura Shelley, regional manager in Medical Weight Loss Clinic’s West Michigan region, is a fan of giving water jugs that come with inspirational quotes printed right on them. She finds them on Amazon.
“It seems silly at times, but it’s a nice reminder to get your water in during the day with a positive vibe,” she says. “The ones with the replaceable water filter are my favorite. That way you can refill anywhere and don’t have to worry about the quality of water – no excuses!”
Our staff also shared some of the items they keep on-hand and use regularly – at their own homes.
Rene Stephan, Medical Weight Loss Clinic regional manager, keeps exercise bands and light hand weights within an arm’s reach. “The bands can really help keep your muscles strengthened and increase your heart rate,” she says. “The light hands weights are easy to walk around with and helps to keep your shoulders strong. Strong shoulders can help your posture too!”
Mona also uses her Apple Watch to help with her own healthy goals. “I love my Apple Watch, I can’t live without it and my steps are recorded and so many other options like heart rate as well,” Mona says.
For Laura and Kelly, a smoothie blender is a game-changer. “They’re small, fast and super convenient for on the run,” Laura says. “You can mix up a smoothie and throw in fruits and veggies and eat it on the go.”
Kelly adds: “A smoothie maker/blender-helps hide those darn veggies and can create some yummy treats that even kids will like.”
But expensive gifts aren’t necessary.
Staying healthy into the new year can be as simple as getting some exercise and staying accountable each day. Kelly says she keeps a favorite pair of pants close at hand. She gauges her waistline by how she looks in them. “If they fit perfectly, I know I am where I want to be,” says Kelly. “If they start getting a little tight, I know it is time to redirect my foods and focus. That way, I don’t have to obsess over a number on the scale.”
Mona reminds us that fun activities can help contribute to our healthy goals, too. She suggests putting on your favorite music and dancing. “It is fun and really works,” she says.
Getting more movement in can be as easy as parking farther away when running errands. Staying home more? Kelly suggests making more trips up and down the stairs at home and using a shovel, not a snow blower, this winter. It all adds up.
“Take 10 minutes out of your hour to get up and stretch and walk around,” says Rene. “This will help you to energize your mind and muscles and the endorphins that you generate during these minutes also help you refocus and clear your mind.”
You can also set reminders to fit in your healthy goals every day. Laura sets a timer on her phone to remember get up and walk often.
“With so many people working from home this year, it is easy to fall into a non-movement rut,” she says. “Little reminders are helpful.”
We all realize that 2020 has been a rough year for everyone. Want some advice?
“Take a moment to reflect and take in the small blessings that you have overcome,” Laura says. “Whether that be staying healthy, getting healthy, moving more or simply making it through - be proud of what you’ve overcome! Let’s get ready to set ourselves up for 2021 in a healthy and positive light!”
Make the most of this holiday season with some help from the experts at Medical Weight Loss Clinic. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation online or call us at 1-800-GET-SLIM.
