Holiday Weight Gain and Back Pain, Part 2
In the last blog, I discussed the ways in which weight gain can affect spine health and cause back pain. We all know that, around the holidays, we are especially susceptible to weight gain. Today, I’ll be giving you some easy tips to help you keep your weight in check and your back in great shape, even while enjoying all of the festivities the season has to offer.
Indulge smarter.
No one wants to miss out on that piece of Grandma’s famous pie or Grandpa’s secret-recipe egg-nog. One way to enjoy the goodies in moderation is to make sure you only splurge on those things which are exclusive to the holidays. Skip the everyday junk food like potato chips, and make sure the rest of your plate isn’t filled with empty calories.
Get sleep.
“Lack of sleep not only leads to stress, it can also lead to weight gain. Some studies have shown that losing sleep can affect your metabolism and the secretion of cortisol, one hormone that regulates appetite. Think of a good night’s sleep as a necessity (much like oxygen) to keep you sane and keep your stress and hormone levels in check. Whatever else happens throughout the day, plan on winding down 30 minutes or so before bedtime to make it easier to relax into sleep.” – about.com Exercise
Weight train.
Losing weight and keeping off extra fat is about more than aerobic exercise. You need to increase your resting metabolic rate (RMR), which is the pace your body burns calories at rest. Your RMR is closely linked to the amount of muscle you have – Muscle burns more calories than fat. Adding muscle will raise your RMR and will greatly increase the chance that the weight loss (more accurately fat loss) will be maintained. That being said, adding weight-training into your routine may be just the thing you need to give your metabolism a boost.
Try Acupuncture.
“Acupuncture needles inserted into specific points on the body and in the ear release endorphins which have a calming and relaxing effect that makes it easier to deal with stress, frustration and anxiety that can trigger overeating and binging on fattening foods. Also endorphins affect the digestive and hormonal systems so acupuncture can help re-balance the organ systems that are running too fast- or in this case too slow—i.e., the metabolism and will power.” – acufinder.com
Visit our website to find out more about our Acupuncture services.
