Joana Menezes Nunes , endocrinologist in the Hospital da Luz units of Arrábida, Guimarães and Vila Real, was this week’s guest in the podcast My Obesity , an online platform that counts with different participations by the medical community to approach the topic of obesity. “Christmas time and weight gain: what is the connection?”, was the issue in highlight in this interview, where the specialist offered suggestions on how to deal with the caloric excesses of a holiday season very much focused around the table and conviviality. Between mid-November and January 6, the Three Wise Man Day, people tend to gain weight – first driven by São Martinho Day with the traditional chestnuts, but also by the colder and shorter days that ask for heavier foods, not forgetting the commercial strategies towards the consumption of Christmas dishes, as the endocrinologist explains. In other words, “it is a continuing process of excesses, both in terms of food and drink, that we must control on behalf of our health and wellbeing”, she highlights. “ Balance is the best solution ”, argues the specialist, alerting: it is essential to understand that not everything that is consumed based on the idea that “healthy food” is low-calorie, and that foods like honey, acai berries, granola, avocado and dried fruits, are rich in calories and, therefore, should be consumed in a controlled manner. And what should a healthy holiday be like? Reminding that daily physical activity should never be neglected – even in routine activities, such as preferring the stairs to the elevator, leaving the car farther away and do longer walks, for instance –, Joana Menezes Nunes leaves some advice : The day should start with a good breakfast and include frequent hydration and a walk outside or physical exercise indoor. Snacks should be avoided throughout the day and the consumption of bread restricted to meals. In the making of the traditional dishes of the season, opt for recipes with less sugar (using cinnamon and/or dried fruits to sweeten), substitute oil for olive oil and choose low-fat dairy products. Drink plenty of water and avoid soft drinks, alcoholic and/or carbonated beverages. For dessert , eat a little of each variety, but always in controlled portions. Chew slowly and enjoy the family conviviality. Remember that the information to the brain that we are full, is a slow process. Distribute the leftovers by relatives, friends and co-workers or, if possible, freeze and store for the next event. Christmas time and weight gain: what is the connection
