Post-holiday clean up
'Twas the season of feasts and festive beverages! And chances are you added a few pounds. One study found that between Thanksgiving and Christmas, most folks put on around 2 pounds and 14% add 5 or more. Unfortunately, what's added is rarely lost -- and year after year, it adds up to a serious health threat for millions of you.
You can reclaim a healthier you with a dry January (and beyond?) combined with a Mediterranean diet that emphasizes fruits and veggies and minimal animal protein (fish and skinless poultry).
One study found that folks on the Med diet lost almost 9% of their body weight over the course of a year. Plus, in two to three months, you can lower lousy cholesterol by 10%, boosting heart health, improving your biome and protecting your brain.
As for a dry January ... a review of 62 studies found that drinking any amount of alcohol raises your cancer risk, especially if you have obesity or Type 2 diabetes, smoke cigarettes, or have a genetic risk for cancer. The more you drink, the greater the risk -- especially of breast, colorectal, liver, oral, laryngeal, esophageal and gastric cancers. However, if you're a healthy weight, exercise regularly and eat a plant-based, nutritious diet, occasionally drinking low/moderate amounts (less than two drinks) has a much lower risk -- especially if it's part of positive socializing (AKA posse-building).
Head into the New Year with your eye on achieving a healthy weight and drinking occasionally or not at all (and never alone) and you'll enjoy a truly happy 2026.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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