Saint Mary's - Thrive

Reset Your HEALTH IN You're Not Alone Greater Waterbury residents who are considering or recovering from weight loss surgery have two educational and supportive opportunities available at Saint Mary's Hospital. Adults who are more than 100 pounds overweight or who struggle with weight-related diabetes, sleep apnea, or other medical concerns can take advantage of a free weight loss surgery informational session at the hospital led by the weight loss surgery team. Following surgery, community members can participate in a free monthly Weight Loss Surgery Support Group that meets on the second Monday of each month from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. in the Saint Mary's Medical-Dental Conference Center. Grocery shopping, meal prep, and goal-setting are among the topics covered during support group sessions. AS SOON AS THE CLOCK STRIKES MIDNIGHT ON DEC. 31, MANY PEOPLE VOW TO SHED POUNDS, GET MORE EXERCISE, AND PURGE THEIR CABINETS OF UNHEALTHY CHOICES. HERE'S HOW TO MAKE A WELLNESS PLEDGE THAT LASTS ALL YEAR. W hen New Year's resolutions fail, it's usually because people set lofty, challenging goals that include spending hours at the gym or slashing entire food groups from their diet. Set yourself up for long-term success with these sustainable weight-loss tips: 1. Simple goals are best. Instead of making sweeping adjustments, implement one small change at a time. For example, swap your daily latte for a cup of coffee with sugar-free creamer or add an extra serving of fruits and vegetables to each meal. 2. Don't be afraid to try new things. Sample one new healthy food such as quinoa, kale, or tofu every week, or mix up your treadmill routine with a Pilates, yoga, or Zumba® class. Revamp comfort food recipes by using the freshest and least- processed ingredients available. 3. Make yourself accountable. Work toward your wellness goals with a like- minded friend who can provide a dose of motivation and accountability. Use a smartphone app to log your meals, snacks, and workouts for a clear picture of calories in versus calories out. 4. Shop the perimeter. "e perimeter of the grocery store displays fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, meat, eggs, and other essentials," said Nowen Beebe,MS, RD, CDN, Outpatient Dietitian at Saint Mary's Hospital. "Sticking to the perimeter gives you a wide selection of healthy foods and allows you to avoid the temptation of chips, cookies, crackers, and other processed items." 5. Be a mindful eater. "When you are mindful during meals, you are fully present and eat with intention and attention, which helps you make healthier choices," said Amy Dumont, LCSW, Co-facilitator of the Saint Mary's Weight Loss Surgery Support Group. "Sit down at the table, silence your cell phone, and eat slowly to savor each bite." For information about weight loss surgery and the Weight Loss Surgery Support Group at Saint Mary's, visit thefirststepbeginshere.com. To sign up for a free weight loss surgery information seminar, call 203-709-7722. stmh.org 3

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