Working in a health care system can translate into long and sometimes strenuous hours. People can compromise healthy decisions simply to satisfy immediate needs when it comes to food and exercise. With the start of the New Year upon us, we sought some helpful tips to stay happy and healthy in 2020 from Jeffrey Friedman, M.D., FACS, a UF College of Medicine assistant professor of general surgery and director of bariatric surgery.

Substitute sugary drinks.
All too often, people tend to drink their calories, whether they realize it or not. Drinks we may view as essential, like coffee, have the potential to betray us when we factor in cream, sugar and syrups. Even diet sodas contain chemicals and trick the body with artificial sweeteners, triggering insulin to send your body into fat-storage mode. Despite their misleading name, diet drinks can put as many, if not more, inches on your waistline than regular ones. The best way to hydrate is by drinking water throughout the day.

Find time to be active during the work day.
Often, our work keeps us focused on one particular task for hours on end. While we feel like we are getting a lot accomplished at our desks, our bodies are not getting the activity they need. Take action to keep your body in motion throughout the day: Bypass the elevator for the stairs, go for walks on breaks or take a longer path to a meeting.

Be conscious of what and how much you’re eating.
We all know it’s important to be mindful of what we eat, but the quantity of food is an equally important factor. Portion control is a huge aspect in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, because too much of a good thing can turn bad.

In general, it’s a good idea to stay realistic when setting health goals. With another year on the horizon, focus on two or three healthier decisions you can incorporate into your daily routine, both in and out of the workplace.

Consult with your health care provider if you need guidance about healthy practices to help you meet your personal health goals. At UF Health, we have a team of specialists eager to answer your questions and determine the best healthy practices for you.

This information was provided by our bariatric medicine colleagues. Visit UFHealth.org/uf-health-bariatric-surgery-center/team for more information.