The holidays are a time to enjoy with family and friends, but many of us get carried away with the endless buffets of food and desserts. As a result, we end up putting on a lot of weight that we regret later on. But just because it’s the festive season doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your health.
Here are some techniques you can use to help maintain healthy eating habits during the holiday season.
(1) Plan Ahead.
Before heading to a holiday event, make a plan for what you will eat and stick to it. Avoid arriving hungry and check out the menu before you go so you can make informed choices.
(2) Balance Your Plate.
Fill half your plate with vegetables and fruit, one quarter with lean protein, and the remaining quarter with whole grains or starchy vegetables. This balanced plate will ensure you are getting the nutrients you need to fuel your body without overindulging in empty calories.
(3) Choose Wisely.
Try to choose wholesome foods that are less likely to lead to overeating. Fruits, veggies, and lean proteins are always solid choices. Aim to choose nutrient-dense foods first and leave calorie-dense treats for special occasions.
(4) Watch Your Portions.
It can be easy to overindulge during the holidays, but too much of even healthy foods can be detrimental to your health. Use a smaller plate, take smaller helpings, and slow down to savor the flavors.
(5) Hydrate.
Make sure to stay hydrated during the holidays by drinking plenty of water. This will help you feel fuller and less likely to overeat, plus keep your body functioning optimally.
(6) Limit Alcohol.
Cocktails, beer, and wine are often staples of holiday celebrations. However, drinking too much alcohol can contribute to overeating and dehydration so try to limit your intake.
(7) Be Mindful.
Pay attention to what you are eating and how it makes you feel. If you notice that certain foods trigger overeating or negative feelings, try to avoid them or limit your intake.
(8) Prepare Healthy Options.
If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, make sure to have plenty of healthy options available. Try dry-roasted nuts, fruit salad, or non-alcoholic mocktails to add some variety to your spread.
(9) Keep Your Routine.
While it’s tempting to skip meals or your regular exercise routine during the holidays, it’s important to stick to your routine as much as possible. This can help you avoid overeating and maintain healthy eating habits.
(10) Focus on the Experience.
Remember, the holidays are about more than just food. Focus on spending time with friends and family, being present in the moment, and enjoying the experience. This will help you keep a healthy perspective and make the most of the season.
While healthy eating can be a challenge during the holidays, it is possible to maintain your healthy habits with a little bit of effort. By planning ahead, balancing your plate, choosing wisely, watching your portions, staying hydrated, limiting alcohol, being mindful, preparing healthy options, keeping your routine, and focusing on the experience, you can enjoy the holidays while still taking care of your health. So go ahead and indulge in that holiday treat, but remember to practice moderation and maintain a healthy perspective. Happy holidays!
Written by: Ciara Simpson
About the Author: Ciara Simpson is a vibrant and devoted public health advocate, creating meaningful change within her local healthcare community. With an inspiring passion for life, Ciara is also a dedicated freelance writer, wife, mother of two, and trailblazing leader who finds joy in helping others. When not contributing to her community, she loves exploring the Pacific Northwest’s stunning vistas by biking, hiking, skiing, or sailing with her loving husband and family. Ciara approaches every day with enthusiasm and purpose — an energizing presence in each of her endeavors.
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