Staying mobile after vein treatment is essential for preventing complications like deep vein thrombosis. Obesity also exacerbates symptoms. For some patients, it may be necessary to lose weight before undergoing vein treatment.

Starting a diet and exercise plan can be complicated, and you should consult your primary physician, but here are a few simple healthy living tips that you may not know about.

Plates > Pyramid

Did you know that the food pyramid we learned about as kids is no longer the most recommended way to divide up your meals? The U.S. Department of Agriculture has launched “MyPlate” to help educate people about the proper portion sizes for healthy eating. Fruits and vegetables should make up half of your plate, and at least half of the grains should be whole grain. For more detailed information, visit ChooseMyPlate.gov.

Sneaky Exercise

No time for a dedicated workout? Try slipping 10-minute bursts of exercise into your daily routine (less than 10 minutes won’t have the same positive effect). Force yourself to take the stairs instead of the elevator at all times. Don’t waste gas looking for a good parking spot—park in the farthest corner of the lot or structure. If you take public transit, try getting off the train or bus one stop earlier than usual and walking the rest of the way.

Sweet Dreams

Losing weight in your sleep sounds too good to be true, but studies have shown that sleep deprivation produces a chemical called ghrelin, which stimulates hunger and makes you eat more while awake. While sleeping, your body produces leptin, which suppresses hunger. A 2010 study conducted by the University of Chicago and published in the “Annals of Internal Medicine” found that dieters who received at least eight hours of sleep a night lose twice as much fat compared to those who were sleep-deprived.

There’s an App for That

You don’t have to go it alone. There are many supportive apps and online communities ready to help you on your journey—find the one that fits your style. MyFitnessPal helps you log your diet and exercise, SparkPeople is best known for its supportive community infrastructure, “Lose It!” gameifies the experience, and even Pokémon GO is starting to get a reputation for weight loss as players walk to hatch eggs and find PokéStops.

 

Fitzgibbons Vein Center can help support you during your weight loss journey, and determine exactly what your goals need to be in order to alleviate your venous disease symptoms. Click here to schedule a consultation.

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