Santa: Avoiding the Gift of Holiday Pounds

Before I load up my sleigh and get my reindeer ready for their international flight on Christmas Eve, I wanted to take a few minutes to talk to you grown-up boys and girls.

Like many of the rest of you, I’ve put on a couple extra pounds during the last few millennia. I enjoy lots of sugary treats around the workshop, and the cookies left out for me when I make my rounds don’t help.

But I’ve decided it’s time to get rid of my bowl full of jelly, so I’ve been visiting the Memorial Wellness Center. The dietitians are all on my nice list this year, because they helped me better manage my diet.

Maybe their tips will help you, too:

• • During the long night of travel with Rudolph and his gang, I take along some hummus and carrots for a snack. It’s a healthy break from all those cookies. Carrots aren’t just good for reindeer!
  • Speaking of cookies, I’ve stopped eating all of those cookies at every single house. Instead, I take them with me and share them with the elves over the next few weeks. If someone is awake when I arrive and insists I eat their cookies, I say, “Thank you, but I have so many stops to make I can’t possibly eat them now. I’ll take them with me for later. You are really good at making cookies.”
  • I park on the far end of the rooftop now and walk to the chimney. It helps me get my exercise. When I’m in a neighborhood with fewer chimneys, I park at the end of the block and walk from house to house. It racks up the steps on my Fitbit!
  • If I ever feel tempted to have a cookie, I opt for a peppermint or cinnamon mint to help until the craving subsides. Keeps my breath fresh, too, so I’m ready when Mrs. Claus hangs out under the mistletoe.
  • I ditched my fur suit. It made me look too fluffy which was bad for morale. I treated myself to a tailored red suit. It makes me feel much better about myself, and I feel more motivated to succeed.
  • Finally, I’ve eased up on the candy. It’s OK to have a treat now and then, but I don’t keep a lot of it around the workshop to tempt me. I say it’s for “visitors,” but who am I kidding? I set it out for me! I’m more likely to eat mindlessly when the goodies are in plain sight.

Try a tip or two as you celebrate the season. You’ll feel better ahead of the New Year!

Ho! Ho! Ho! Have a healthy holiday!

Santa

If you are like Santa and want to make healthier choices, but you aren’t sure how to get started, check out the Memorial Wellness Center.