The holidays aren’t over yet, but you may already be feeling the effects of celebrating the season if you have a TMJ disorder. Putting on a few holiday pounds isn’t as big a concern as putting strain on the jaw and facial muscles. This time of year is always a little more challenging, which is why it’s important to get back into your healthy eating habits as quickly as possible after the holiday season.
To help you get back on track fast we’re providing a few of our top eating tips below.
Be Consistent
Research from the University College London that was published in the European Journal of Social Psychology shows that on average it takes 66 days to create a good habit. But the trick is you have to be consistent and not try to do everything at once. Participants of the University College London study were most successful at creating a new habit when they did the activity nearly every day and focused on one manageable habit at a time.
Give Yourself a Culinary Gift
One way to get amped up about eating right is to give yourself a few gifts. After the holidays, lots of stores have big sales making it the perfect time to pick up kitchen equipment that will help you eat better. A few items to treat yourself to include:
- Blender
- Juicer
- Food Processor
- Crock Pot
- Blender Bottle
Use a Grocery List
There are a lot of good reasons for making a grocery list. When you use a grocery shopping list you’ll stay focused in the store and won’t get tempted by all the foods that taste great at first and cause pain later on. FatWallet also notes that grocery lists help you save time and money, which is always a good thing.
Drink More Water
Sometimes thirst is mistaken for hunger and prompts people to eat more than necessary. Drinking water throughout the day will help quench your thirst and curb overeating. Plus, staying hydrated helps you feel full for longer and has many health benefits beyond helping to keep TMD in check.
Get Help for Your TMJ Pain
If you’re experiencing a significant amount of TMJ pain or developed new symptoms over the holidays, it may be time to get help. Clinics like MedCenter TMJ have the expertise and equipment to diagnose TMJ problems and come up with effective treatment plans. With the proper treatment, pain from eating will be reduced and there’s a chance you’ll be able to eat a wider variety of foods.
If you live in the Houston area and currently suffer from TMD, give MedCenter TMJ a call to schedule a post-holiday appointment!
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