Whisler Law Firm - December 2020

HOW TO EAT DURING THE HOLIDAYS

WITHOUT SACRIFICING YOUR FAVORITE FOODS OR YOUR WAISTLINE

Have you ever stood on a scale at the end of the holiday season and wondered how the extra pounds crept on? It’s no secret that a sugar cookie here, a slice of pie there, and a few glasses of eggnog in between can lead to a few pounds gained. When you’re surrounded by Christmas goodies, how can you resist? Luckily, there are a few ways you can protect your waistline this holiday season without completely cutting out your favorite treats. Be Choosy When you see a regular buffet of your favorite holiday treats, don’t immediately

start scarfing down everything that looks remotely tasty and sweet. First, scope out the food — without a plate — so you won’t be tempted to start eating without really looking. Then, find the treats that are your absolute favorites and choose one or two of them to eat. You don’t have to give up sweets during the holidays; instead, eat with discretion. Don’t Go Hungry To ensure that you don’t overeat at a party or buy junk food that you don’t need when shopping, eat a healthy snack before going out. Before you head out to a party, eat a snack chock-full of complex

carbohydrates, proteins, and unsaturated fats. Apple slices with peanut butter work, as well as lean meats and cheeses. If you’re headed to the grocery store, eating a filling snack before you go will make you less likely to impulsively scoop up those sugary cookies and pastries in the bakery. Drink Responsibly (and Judiciously) If you drink alcohol, keep in mind that each drink will probably be somewhere between 150–225 calories. A glass of eggnog can have as many as 500 calories. Alcohol decreases your self-control when you’re eating, while also increasing your appetite. Make sure that if you’re drinking, you’re not doing so on an empty stomach. And to decrease the number of high-calorie drinks that you consume, drink a glass of water in between alcoholic beverages. The holidays are a minefield for any healthy diet. But with the right tools, you can ensure that by Jan. 2, your waistline won’t be worse for wear.

A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION TO HELP YOU PREPARE 2021: THE YEAR OF THE ESTATE PLAN

You know what New Year’s resolutions are supposed to look like: Hit the gym, eat right, spend more time with family, start a new hobby, etc. All of those are great ways to kick off 2021, and they’re also all about being ready for what life throws at you next. But is your estate plan ready? Folks often think this stuff is for later in life, for people with lots of money, or only in case of “bad things” happening. But that’s simply not true! Estate planning is for everyone who wants to be prepared for the year ahead and make the most of the law when it comes to their wishes, assets, and property. Making (or updating) your estate plan also goes hand in hand with your other resolutions. Family time is wonderful, and with estate planning, you can spare your family a lot of trouble during hard times (and hard decisions) in the future. And if you’re a dedicated hobbyist — say, a firearms enthusiast or someone with a lot of money tied

up in their hobby — a catalog of your property and wishes goes a long way in preserving your legacy. You’ll be amazed at how much control you have over what you own and create: possessions, real estate, intellectual property, and more. It’s true that planning for hard times is part of this. Obviously, we don’t want to think about bad things happening to us, but part of being ready for a new year — especially after the trials of 2020 — means having our health care desires clearly written down. Yes, this includes do-not- resuscitate orders and powers of attorney, but it also includes living situations (at home, in a facility, with family, etc.) and personal beliefs regarding medical treatment. It’s a tough talk to have, but being unprepared in the face of adversity will be much tougher.

to feel relief having your plans created (or updated). But you can make the law work in your favor right now in all kinds of ways. Just one example is the use of a gun trust to make sure your firearms are secure from government seizure now and in the future. We could talk about much more, but a lot will depend on you. No matter your circumstances, your plan will be unique, written by attorneys who get to know you. We’re here to do just that, as well as answer questions and anything else — we’re just a phone call away!

Last but not least, estate planning will make your life easier today. Of course, you’re going

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