What to Expect After a Vasectomy Reversal

After your vasectomy, you probably didn’t need much down time to recover. A vasectomy is a simple, outpatient procedure, and most men are able to go back to work about two days after they’ve had it done. But what about vasectomy reversal? While a vasectomy reversal is also an outpatient procedure, it’s much more complex. Does that make recovery more intense? Here’s what you can expect after a vasectomy reversal.

• After your surgery, expect some pain. In fact, you may have pain in your groin for one to three weeks. There may also be bruising and swelling, and you’ll need to wear tight-fitting underwear or compression shorts for about a week to support the area and prevent any stitches from coming out. Your stitches should dissolve in about seven to 10 days. Fortunately, the pain probably won’t be severe and should start to improve over the course of several days.
• Take it easy for that first week. For the first 24 hours, rest whenever you feel tired. Lie down as much as possible and remember that sleep is important for your recovery. After the first day, gradually increase your activity, walking a little bit daily and trying to go a little further each day. This is important for increasing your blood flow, and it can prevent constipation and pneumonia. Don’t do anything that could be hard on your groin, or anything that involves lifting heavy things. Don’t ride a bike, jog, do aerobic exercise, or lift weights until your doctor says it’s ok, usually anywhere from four to eight weeks after the procedure. Don’t lift anything as heavy as a milk jug, and certainly don’t lift a child. Let someone else do the driving, until your doctor gives you the go-ahead to drive again.
• Keep the area dry. You can shower, but your doctor may advise you to wear an athletic supporter when you do so. Don’t take a bath or do anything else that would get your testicles wet.
• Ask your doctor when you can resume your daily activities. If you have a desk job, you may be able to return to work as soon as one week after your surgery. However, if your job involves any kind of strenuous activity or heavy lifting, it could take a few more weeks before you’re ready to go back. Your doctor can advise you on this and will also give you instruction on when you can resume having sex. Typically, men are advised to wait at least four weeks.
• Your doctor will also give you instructions about medication and diet. IF you are prescribed pain medication, be careful to take it only as directed. If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, make sure to take the full course, and don’t stop just because you feel better. Ask for instructions about restarting any medication you had been taking before the procedure. Most of the time, you can return to your normal diet. However, if your medication is making you feel sick to your stomach, a bland diet may be best. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, unless your doctor advises you otherwise.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we are well-versed in providing effective vasectomy reversals. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

Why You Should Have Your Kids Do Chores

When you were growing up, you probably did chores. It’s a time honored tradition to have kids help around the house, and in the past, most families had some sort of chore system in place. Today, though, there’s some debate. Many parents feel that it’s their responsibility to manage the house and that children should be allowed to be carefree for as long as possible. What’s more, it can sometimes feel more efficient to just do a chore yourself, rather than waiting or, worse, nagging until a child gets it done. However, there are many benefits to having children pitch in and help with the family chore list.

• Chores help kids learn responsibility. When you assign children regular chores, particularly chores that pertain to their own belongings, you are teaching them responsibility and self-reliance. They’ll also gain confidence, because they’ll have a sense of accomplishment when they successfully complete their chores. Being responsible for chores can also help kids develop a good work ethic.
• Children learn life skills from doing chores. Eventually, everyone needs to know basic skills like laundry, cooking, and keeping house. By the time they move out of your home, kids will also need to know how to do things like creating a budget and maintaining an automobile. These are things they won’t learn in school, but you can assign chores that help teach these skills at home. Kids who balance chores with school, homework, and extracurricular activities also learn valuable time management skills.
• Chores make children feel like part of a team. Being a productive member of the family makes a child feel grounded and secure. What’s more, home is a great place to learn teamwork skills they’ll use at school and in the workforce.
• By doing chores, kids gain some perspective that reinforces respect. They won’t fully appreciate all you do for them until they move out and try to navigate the world on their own. When they do chores, though, children get a glimpse of the parental workload, and this actually might make them more aware of the impact of the messes they make.
• Families can bond over doing chores. When you share tasks, it gives you the opportunity to spend time together, working towards a common goal. You may find that your little ones are thrilled to be useful, and your teens open up during the parallel interaction of working on something together.

So, which chores are age appropriate? Toddlers can pick up their toys, hang their clothes on hooks, and put placemats on the table. Pre-schoolers can set the whole table and can even help prepare meals, with close supervision. They can help you sort clean laundry into piles for different family members, and help with grocery shopping and putting groceries away. By the time they’re in school, kids can water the plants, feed the pets, help fold laundry, take out the trash, help with meal planning and preparation, vacuum, sweep, and mop, and put away clean dishes. Teenagers should be able to do laundry, clean the bathroom, mow the lawn, load the dishwasher, and prepare meals. A good way to determine the best chores to assign is to think about things you want your kids to learn how to do

This is all well and good, but how can you actually get your kids to do their chores? For little children, a sticker chart can be very motivational. Older kids are often motivated by receiving and allowance, and you can set up a token economy in which kids are rewarded for doing specific tasks.

By giving your children the opportunity to be responsible when they’re young, you’re preparing them to be independent, confident people, ready to find their place in the world. At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love making the world better by helping people grow their families. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

How to Teach Your Kids the Importance of Dental Hygiene

As parents, we have so much to teach our children. From the moment they’re born, we’re helping them learn and grow, keeping them safe and secure. It’s easy to let some things fall by the wayside, because there’s always so much to do when you’re raising kids. One thing that should never be missed, though, is dental hygiene. From their earliest days, it’s important that children know that a healthy mouth is a big part of a person’s overall health. How can you convey this? We’ve got some tips to help.

• Don’t think of baby teeth as disposable. Baby teeth do fall out, but that doesn’t mean they’re not important. Small teeth lay the foundation for bigger teeth in the future, and bacteria from decaying baby teeth can cause damage to permanent teeth before they even erupt from the gums. What’s more, problems with baby teeth can be painful, embarrassing, and prevent kids from getting the right nutrition.
• Start when they’re very small. Before they even have teeth, you can wipe babies’ gums with a moist washcloth or soft gauze after each meal to remove bacteria and get them into a routine of oral hygiene. When they move to solid food, use a finger brush or infant toothbrush to brush along the gum line and start brushing the teeth themselves as soon as they begin to erupt. When they get old enough to want to brush their teeth themselves, let them, but keep supervising closely until they’re 7 or 8 years old and can do it properly. With flossing, start as soon as your child has more than one tooth, and keep doing it until he or she is old enough to do it well, around age 10.
• Teach them to eat a nutritious diet. Talk about healthy foods and the importance of eating crunchy fruits and vegetables and drinking plenty of water to help keep the teeth clean. Teach little ones how calcium-rich foods like milk and cheese can strengthen teeth, and limit their consumption of sugary snacks. Sodas and other sugary drinks, candy, gummies, and dried fruits, and even popcorn, crackers, and chips can promote bacterial growth that leads to tooth decay.
• Model good practices. Let your kids see that dental hygiene is important to you, too! Kids love to copy what their parents do, so make brushing a family affair, brushing together and showing them the right techniques to do the job well.
• Prioritize dentist visits. Baby’s first pediatric dentist appointment should be scheduled before the first birthday. You want your children to be comfortable with the dentist and the dental office, and a dentist can track the development of your child’s teeth to make sure it’s on track.
• Make brushing fun! Let them pick their own toothbrushes, and choose a fluoride toothpaste in a flavor your kids find appealing. Set a timer for two minutes, perhaps a two-minute hourglass or a timer that plays a tune. Use songs, games, books, toys, and activities to help them learn more about healthy teeth in a fun way.

We enjoy watching healthy families thrive and whenever you’re ready to enlarge your family, we are ready to help. At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love making the world better by helping people grow their families. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

Getting Pregnant After a Vasectomy Reversal

While vasectomies have long been considered a permanent form of birth control, today’s advances in microsurgical techniques have made it possible to successfully reverse a vasectomy. Typically, you will be able to conceive a child after vasectomy reversal: studies indicate that about 75 percent of men who have undergone vasectomy reversal can conceive naturally. However, the process can take time. Here are some factors that come into play when you are trying to get pregnant after having a vasectomy reversed.

• The type of vasectomy reversal impacts the length of time it takes to conceive. The simpler form of reversal is called a vasovasostomy, and men who have this kind of procedure should have sperm present in the ejaculate after about three months. The more complicated type of procedure, a vasoepididymostomy, is done when there is a blockage in the epididymis, close to the testicle. After this kind of procedure, it can take six to 12 months for the ejaculate to contain sperm.
• It takes some time for sperm count to build back up to the right levels for conception. Just because sperm is present in the ejaculate, it does not necessarily mean there is a normal sperm count. It takes time for sperm to normalize, and it can be several months before the sperm count is high enough for conception. Once it is, it can still take several months for a couple to conceive.
• The amount of time since the vasectomy affects the success of the reversal. Typically, the longer it has been, the more difficult it will be to conceive. The highest rates of success are usually seen within five years of the procedure, and after 10 years, pressure can cause a blockage that will mean the surgeon must perform a difficult procedure, known as a vas-to-epididymis reconstruction, which can reduce the success rate for conception.
• Both paternal and maternal age come into play when trying to conceive after a vasectomy reversal. In women over thirty-five years of age, hormone and ovulation cycles are more difficult to predict, and this increases the difficulty of conception. For men over fifty, sperm quality or concentration can decrease, increasing the amount of time needed to conceive. In some cases, an alternative method of conception, such as in vitro fertilization, may be recommended to help increase the chances of conception.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we are well-versed in providing effective vasectomy reversal. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

How to love your children evenly

When you have children, you’ll soon discover that every child is unique, presenting different challenges and bringing different joys. Embracing the differences in your children and loving them for who they are can be a tricky lesson for parents to learn, and when you have more than one child, it becomes slightly more complicated. You may love your children equally, for instance, but find one easier to relate to than another. How can you love them evenly, giving them the same amount of attention and making them feel equally important?

• Start with one-on-one time. Consistent quality time, during which you’re 100 percent present, with no phones or distractions, helps build relationships with them. Ask questions and let your kids talk about their interests and activities, giving them the kind of attention that makes them feel safe and loved. Do this with each of your kids on a regular basis and you’ll learn who they really are.
• Recognize your children’s unique gifts. You don’t want your kids to compete with each other, comparing themselves and building sibling rivalry, because this is the kind of thing that creates jealousy and results in low self-esteem. The best way to prevent this is to be careful about balancing your attention, supporting each of them in their interests and cheering on their special talents. When they begin to compare themselves with each other, use it as an opportunity to praise each child’s strengths and remind them that they shine in different areas. Give them examples of how their differences enrich the family and how they are equally important.
• Be openly affectionate with your kids. Don’t be afraid to show your love for your children. Praise them when they do well, gently redirect and encourage them when they need a do-over. Don’t shame your kids, but guide them lovingly, with grace and respect, and show them affection in ways that are meaningful to each of them. For one child, affection may be best received in a hug, while another might respond more favorably to words of praise and affirmation.
• Relate to your children with authenticity. Kids can tell when you are being insincere, so speak from your heart rather than giving false compliments or disingenuous praise. Show appreciation for who they are, and you’ll help them gain confidence in themselves. When they know you tell them what you honestly think, your positive words will make them feel truly loved and valued.

By giving your children a firm foundation of love and support, you’re preparing them to be people with the confidence to find their place in the world. At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love making the world better by helping people grow their families. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

Signs you might be ready to have baby #2

Planning a family can be tricky. Once you have one child, you may feel a pull to have another. On the other hand, children can be overwhelming. Are you really ready to have another one? How can you tell whether it’s time to try for number two, or whether it would be a better idea to wait? Here are some signs that you might be ready to have baby number two.

• The first sign that you are ready to have another child is simply a feeling. You feel ready! The idea of having another baby gets you and your partner excited, and makes you feel warm and happy. If you don’t have these feelings when you consider another child, you might want to wait a while to start trying for another.
• If your relationship is strong or healthy, you might want to add another child to the family. It’s important to make sure you and your partner are on the same page, and that you are secure in your relationship. If you are having trouble with each other, bringing another baby into the family may not be a good idea. Relationships may shift after each baby, and that’s ok! It’s just important to keep good communication and treat each other with love and respect.
• Your child may be requesting a sibling. This is a valid reason to have another baby, assuming that you and your partner are both on board and the timing is good. You may also be concerned about the age gap between your children, and not want them to be too far apart. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least two years between children, but of course, the spacing of your family is up to you.
• There may be a sense that your family is not complete. Some people have very firm ideas about this, and as long as everyone in the family is in agreement, go for it!
• You may want another baby if your first child is easy. Don’t assume, however, that the second child will follow suit. They all have their own personalities, and your second may be the polar opposite of your first. If you’re ready for whatever personality is headed your way, you’re ready for another baby.
• Baby fever may spur you to have another. If you turn to mush in the presence of a baby, it’s pretty clear that you would be happy with another one of your own. This can be a strong emotional pull, and it may mean that you’re ready for a new baby, but it’s smart to temper that enthusiasm by assessing your situation to make sure it’s really a good idea.
• You are in the right situation to have another baby. Your emotional readiness is one thing, but your actual readiness is something else entirely. Even if you, your partner, and your first child are longing for a baby to hold, if your finances are in shambles and your housing situation is insecure, it’s not the right time. Assess your finances, along with practical concerns like the size of your home and your vehicle, to make sure you are ready to add another baby to the mix.
• You understand how a new baby will change the family dynamic. Remember, you’re talking about adding a whole new person to your life. Your focus on your first child will have to be divided between two kids, and you and your partner will have less time alone. However, a new little life brings a new measure of love into your lives, and if you’re ready to embrace change, it will be well worth it.

Whenever you’re ready to enlarge your family, we are ready to help. At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love making the world better by helping people grow their families. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

The most popular baby names in 2022

2022 has come to a close, and you know what that means. That’s right, we now have a pretty definitive list of the top baby names of 2022. Choosing the right baby name is one of the most important things you can do for your child, and knowing what’s trending can help you narrow down your own preferences. Without further ado, here is a rundown of the most popular baby names of 2022.

The names topping both lists are the same as last year, Olivia for a girl and Liam for a boy. Names like Olivia, ending in “a,” are extremely popular, and in fact all the names in the top five share this characteristic. What’s more, they’re exactly the same as they were last year! After Olivia, there’s Emma, then Amelia, Ava, and Sophia.

The race to the top for boys’ names this year was tight, with Liam beating Noah by a slight margin. Interestingly, as with the girls’ names, names three and four were the same as last year: Oliver and Elijah. However, number five was an upset, as Mateo climbed up from 11 to push Lucas out of the top five spot. Lucas is now sixth, and Levi went from sixth to seventh this year. Then come Asher and James, and rounding out the top 10 is Leo, which came up from 12 this year. Mason and Ethan fell out of the top 10 to make room for Leo and Mateo.

In the girl’s top ten, there was only one newcomer. Evelyn displaced Harper, but everything else stayed the same, simply shifting a little in popularity. Charlotte dropped from six to nine, Isabella shifted from seven to six, and Luna went from nine to seven. Mia hung onto the number eight spot.

There were some significant shifts outside the top 10, too. Gender neutral names are gaining ground, with River moving up 31 places on both the boy and girl names lists. On the girls’ side, Athena and Iris moved up 24 spots apiece, and Freya jumped 22 places to crack into the top 100. Falling in popularity were Ellie, Riley, Emily, and Bella, which all dropped six spots, Savannah, which went down a whopping 22 spots, and Aubrey, which dropped almost as far, at 21 spots. Hannah and Madison each fell 14 spots.

Some previously popular names on the boys’ side took some big tumbles, too, with Cameron down 22 spots, Andrew falling 18, Logan, 16, and Jack dropping eight spots, with those last two exiting the top 20. Some pretty interesting names gained steamed this year, though. Myles and River were the top climbers with 31 places apiece, while Legend climbed 28 and Atlas gained 23 spots. Waylon was big, too, going up 22 spots and entering the top 50.

What will you name your baby? Does this list give you inspiration, or does it make you want to steer clear of certain trends? Whatever you decide to name your future child, the Center for Vasectomy Reversal would love to help you grow families. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

How to Improve Your Health in 2023

It’s hard to believe another year has come and gone, yet here we are, planning resolutions for 2023. What will your health resolutions be? We have some suggestions for improving your health over the course of the next year.

First, consider this: most resolutions are likely to fail, because there’s no real plan behind them or strategy for success. To succeed, we must break old habits and form new ones, and this is difficult to do. The first step is setting goals, but to succeed, you need to set the right goals. Look at your lifestyle and habits honestly, noting how they impact your health so that you can know what needs to be modified. Make your goals realistic, set up an environment that will help you succeed, and track your progress, giving yourself credit for everything you do right along the way.

• Pledge to get more exercise. This doesn’t mean you should invest in a gym membership or buy expensive equipment for your home gym. If you’re sedentary, it’s enough to work regular physical activity into your everyday life. Not that there’s anything wrong with the gym, and if that works for you, go for it. Find exercise that you enjoy and do it consistently, not just to lose weight, but to promote your overall health.
• Cut back on your substance use. Quitting harmful substances like alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs is one of the best things you can do to improve your health. This may require external help to break your addiction and detoxify your body, but as soon as you quit smoking or reduce your drinking, your health will begin to improve.
• Prioritize sleep. If you’re like a lot of people, you work long hours and don’t get enough sleep. You may not realize it, but your sleep deprivation is taking a toll on your physical and mental health. Sleep deprivation increases the risk of many different health issues, from heart disease to depression. Make quantity and quality sleep a priority this year, and you’ll feel better and be more productive.
• A nutritious diet is essential for a healthy life. Fill yours with fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods, along with lean proteins like chicken and fish, and you’ll reduce your risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and some types of cancer.
• Men have particular health needs to address. There are certain diseases that disproportionately affect men, like cardiovascular disease, Parkinson’s disease, alcoholism, and skin cancer. The primary cancers that affect men are prostate cancer, colon cancer, and lung cancer. Talk to your doctor about your risk for these diseases, and how to make lifestyle changes that will reduce those risks.
• Routine screenings are important. Preventing disease is much more effective than treating it. Make sure you get the right screenings, including general screenings for high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol. Go further, though, asking your doctor about screenings for cancer, contagious diseases, and mental health issues. While you’re at it, make sure you’re up to date on your vaccines, including the vaccines for tetanus, shingles, and pneumonia.
• Make mental health a priority. Men are less likely to seek help for mental health disorders than women, even though they’re just as likely to experience them. Talk to your doctor if you’re feeling anxious or depressed, and in the meantime, try these tips for protecting your mental health:
  • Let the little things go.
  • Don’t compare yourself with others.
  • Set healthy boundaries.
  • Keep your mind and body active.
  • Step away from social media when it begins to affect you adversely.
  • Don’t be afraid to seek help.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we care about men’s health. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

Everything You Need to Know About Freezing your Sperm

Why do men freeze their sperm? There are, of course, sperm banks where men can donate sperm to childless couples. This sperm is frozen and kept until it’s needed, but that’s certainly not the only reason for freezing sperm. Men who have been diagnosed with cancer may bank their sperm if their treatment plan is likely to cause infertility. Similarly, men who are undergoing surgery or treatment that could impact their chances of conceiving a child might want to freeze their sperm, and so might men with hazardous jobs. Most commonly, though, couples decide to freeze sperm- and eggs- because they want to wait a little while to grow their families. If you fall into any of these categories, and are considering freezing your sperm, here’s what you need to know.

• Sperm-freezing, also known as semen cryopreservation, is simpler and less invasive than freezing eggs. In fact, while most samples are collected at the fertility clinic, there are home kits available for men who don’t feel comfortable in a clinical setting. Men with low sperm counts are encouraged to freeze a sample ahead of IVF, in case their fresh sample does not contain sperm when it’s time to perform the procedure.
• The cost of freezing sperm varies and is dependent on several different factors. The price includes the entire process, from collection through storage, and varies based on location, individual clinic, and insurance. Typically, it costs anywhere from $250 to $1,000. However, if you intend to store your sample for a long time, the storage costs can really add up. Then, too, there are medical shipping costs to move the sperm from the place where they’re stored to the place where they’ll be used. It’s smart to have a plan in place before you get started, and work with a fertility clinic.
• Some men are better candidates for sperm freezing than others. Healthy people can bank sperm. In fact, even children who have been diagnosed with cancer can bank sperm, for the sake of future fertility. Men who are undergoing chemotherapy should not bank their sperm, and men who have no sperm in their semen won’t be able to, either.
• A doctor has to make the request to bank your sperm. The choice to freeze sperm is a personal one, and one you’ll need to discuss with your doctor. Testing will be required, to screen for sexually transmitted diseases as well as assessing the sperm quality.
• Sperm freezing is low risk. There are no risks to the men themselves, but there is a risk that when the sample is frozen, it may not actually contain sperm. Freezing doesn’t damage sperm, and there’s no increased risk of birth defects for children conceived with frozen sperm. Sperm freezing has been done since 1953, and it’s a very effective method of preserving fertility.
• Men who want to hold off on fatherhood should bank their sperm. Men can father children late in life, so they don’t have the same biological urgency as women to conceive in a certain time frame. However, the risk of certain conditions, including autism, increases when a man passes age 50, so if he’s planning to conceive after that, it’s better to preserve the sperm in advance.
• Semen has no expiration date. Theoretically, sperm can be frozen forever, as long as it’s stored correctly. Sperm that has been frozen for 20 years has still been used to successfully conceive a child.
• Here’s how the process works. Before the appointment, you’ll be asked to abstain from sexual activity for two or three days. Once you get to the clinic, there’s paperwork and bloodwork, and then the sample is collected. Freshness impacts fertility, so it’s best to collect it at the clinic. Once the sample is in the cup, the sperm is analyzed for quantity, shape, and movement, to determine whether more samples are necessary. The sample is divided into different vials and frozen by an experienced lab technician trained to protect the sperm cells with cryoprotectant agents.

Many men freeze sperm before undergoing a vasectomy, but if that wasn’t the case for you, there’s still hope. At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

The Best and Worst Holiday Foods to Eat

It’s the holiday season, and that means plenty of opportunities for feasting. It doesn’t matter, because the foods you eat at the holidays don’t count, right? Well, not so fast. Research indicates that weight gained over the holidays tends to stick around, and a 2013 study showed that people gain about two pounds on average during this festive time of year, along with increasing their body fat, blood pressure, and heart rate. So, does that mean you have to forego the holiday meals and sit dolefully eating steamed veggies all season? No, but there are a few favorites that you might want to skip.

• We have some bad news about eggnog. Packed with sugar, eggs, and cream, it’s full of calories, cholesterol, and saturated fat. In fact, drinking a cup of eggnog is approximately the nutritional equivalent of eating two glazed donuts. What’s more, homemade eggnog often contains raw eggs, which can be a health hazard. Does this mean you should only drink water all season? Water is great for your body, but if you want something a little more festive, hot cocoa is a good egg-nog alternative. Not only can it be made to have far fewer calories and much less fat, using unsweetened cocoa, low-fat milk, and minimal sugar, but hot cocoa contains flavanols, a type of antioxidant that can improve blood vessel function. One study even found that cocoa boosts blood circulation in the brain and may even enhance cognitive function.
• Pecan pie and mincemeat pie are definitely on the naughty list. Because pecan pie is made with karo syrup and sugar, this sweet treat weighs in at about 500 calories, 27 grams of fat, and 15 teaspoons of sugar in a single slice. Mincemeat pie is made of sugar, butter, shortening, and eggs, and has almost as many calories and as much fat and sugar as pecan pie. Want some better options? Oatmeal raisin cookies have the flavor of mincemeat for far less nutritional cost, and gingerbread is a great option because lower fat and calorie content than many cookies. It contains molasses, too, which means it’s a good source of iron. Pumpkin pie is also a more nutritious sweet. Full of beta carotene, it also has half your recommended daily allowance of vitamin A.
• Stuffing and potatoes can be good or bad, depending on how they’re prepared. When stuffing is prepared with butter and turkey fat, it’s high in fat and calories. Made with vegetables and stock, baked outside the bird instead of inside it, it becomes a healthier option. Potatoes made with butter and cream or smothered in gravy are also a poor choice, but if you make your mashed potatoes with milk or non-fat Greek yogurt, or you roast them and sprinkle them with rosemary, you’ll reap the benefits of the potatoes themselves. Potatoes are low calorie, low carb, and full of nutrients like potassium, magnesium, iron, and vitamin C. Sweet potatoes are also packed with nutrition, with vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and fiber, and they don’t need sugar, butter, and marshmallows to make them flavorful and delicious.
• Skip the prime rib if you’re trying to make your holiday table healthful. The reason prime rib is so succulent is that it comes from the fattiest part of the cow. If your holiday traditions call for beef, you’re better off with a leaner cut like sirloin.
• Turkey is a holiday tradition worth keeping. Without the skin, a four-ounce serving of turkey breast only contains 168 calories and two grams of fat! It also has plenty of protein, along with vitamins B3, B6, and B12, selenium, zinc, phosphorus, choline, magnesium, and potassium.
• There are other holiday favorites worth the indulgence, as well. Cranberries are powerhouses of nutrition, boasting healthy amounts of vitamin C, manganese, vitamin E, vitamin K, copper, and plant compounds known as polyphenols, which can help the body process glucose. Commercial cranberry sauces are full of sugar, but you can cut back if you’re making it at home, or replace it with fruit juice. Nuts, especially chestnuts, are healthy holiday fare, and shrimp cocktail is a festive appetizer that’s low in fat and calories and high in nutritional value.

A healthy lifestyle means packing your plate with nutritious foods, and a healthy diet can help promote a healthy pregnancy. At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people start families with healthy pregnancies. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.