Manatee hospital staff reveal secrets to nix holiday pounds

Like at most businesses in Manatee County, a cornucopia of holiday treats awaits visitors and employees in Manatee Memorial Hospital offices, cafeterias and boardrooms this time of year.

Nurses, doctors, dietitians and kitchen crew are no different than the rest of humanity when it comes to the temptation to partake of cookies, candies and the like now popping up at work, as well as in social settings through the holidays.

To counter the pull of it all, workers say they must have a plan going into the eating season or risk adding unwanted pounds by January.

So, how do they do it?

Last Wednesday, Sabrina A. Livshin, the registered dietitian and clinical nutrition manager at Manatee Memorial, evaluated remarks on the subject from 13 hospital workers and concluded they were all pretty much on the beam.

Except, perhaps, for those from hilarious contrarian Dave Pratt, the hospital’s cafeteria and kitchen supervisor.

“Don’t do it!” Pratt said, when asked how to curb holiday grazing. “I would say eat everything you want. Work out later.”

“That sounds like what you would do,” chimed in cafeteria supervisor Elaina Wallis.

The suggestions that Livshin found most useful from a dietitian’s point of view included: skip seconds, don’t starve yourself all day before a holiday party, work off extra calories with extra exercise, take smaller portions and simply steer clear of places that may harbor unwanted goodies.

“The ones that really hit the mark were from the people who have physical activity as a regular part of their lives,” Livshin said. “That’s very important. Physical exercise should be like brushing your teeth or going to an appointment. Those are things you wouldn’t miss.

Those who cultivate the “habit” of exercise can indulge a bit more, Livshin said.

Kevin Pomeroy, human resource manager, offered a simple strategy: “Enjoy, but eat in moderation.”

“I agree,” Livshin said. “Everything in moderation.”

Vernon DeSear, the hospital’s vice president, said: “Here at the hospital I would say use the stairs instead of elevators. You not only get activity, but you get a cardio workout and it keeps you focused on keeping the weight off.”

Kevin Navas, the hospital’s associate administrator, was excited about sharing his advice.

“I recommend two things,” Navas said. “A lot of weight gain comes from inactivity. So, stay active. If you are going to take a break in your workout routine over the holidays, only take a break for a day or two then get right back on it. Secondly, I would say it is not so much the main course to worry about. It’s the desserts and any alcohol you take in with it.”

Amanda Harrington, structural heart navigator, had this suggestion that Livshin particularly liked: “Try to avoid places if possible that have all the goodies and treats. I try to avoid any lunches provided here from reps that will get me exposed to bad possible choices.”

Don’t find yourself eating two breakfasts

Chaplan George Fisher, the director of pastoral care at the hospital, said he usually gains weight at holiday time, but this year he’s kind of trying to avoid it.

“Eat less, exercise more,” Fisher said as he exited a board room where he had just eaten his second breakfast of the day.

“Eat appropriately. I am not doing well at that so far.”

Focus on “progress, not perfection,” Livshin said.

“Thank you,” Fisher replied.

Talia Grable and Jen James, both in MMH food service had similar suggestions.

“I eat a lot but I am constantly moving,” James said.

“Don’t go back for seconds,” Grable offered.

Wallis said, “If you want to partake in festivities, take a little bit of each thing you want to try.”

Dr. Bruce Trotman, a gastroenterologist, said, “Smaller portions are appropriate...”

Raechel Hills, a registered nurse for nearly five years at MMH, has often experience that extra weight gane from the holidays.

“All the time,” she said. “I’m a woman.”

“And I work out four times a week,” she added.

Her plan to avoid weight gain this holiday season involves good planning.

“Don’t wait all day and just eat that one meal,” Hills said. “Eat before you go. Eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. Don’t eat that one big meal. That’s how you pack on calories.”

Karl Deans, of Philly Finest Bakers Inc., bakes homemade goodies for the hospital like pastrami strombolis, ginger spice and red velvet cake, chocolate chip cookies, banana fruit cakes and more, yet he weighs only 180 pounds that are trim to his frame. “I’ve been doing this work for 50 years,” Deans said, referring to the experience of being around good food.

Cindy Groover, a registered nurse in progressive intensive care, also offered simple advice.

“What I would suggest is when you go to a party or come to work park in the furthest parking spot. That way you get increased exercise,” Groover said.

“When you go to your party and want eggnog, have a splash of eggnog. If you want to have pie have a small piece of pie. Eat the good foods but take just a spoon of everything and enjoy it.”

This story was originally published December 12, 2016 at 6:39 PM with the headline "Manatee hospital staff reveal secrets to nix holiday pounds."