It can be quite a challenge to eat healthy during the holidays. There are so many delicious foods available at every gathering you attend. It can be hard to resist your favorite cookies or sweets. Here are six tips to help you approach the season and eat healthy during the holidays. It is possible to enjoy the season and not put on extra pounds.
- Be realistic as you approach the holidays and understand that now is not the time to try and loose weight, instead try to maintain your current weight.
- Don’t skip meals. This may result in over eating! Instead include lots of fiber in your diet by eating fruits, vegetables and whole grains. This will help satisfy your hunger. If you have errands to run or plan to be gone all day pack some healthy snacks to take along with you.
- When you attend your next party use a small plate and fill it with vegetables and fruit before going to the entrees and desserts. Leave spaces between the items you put on your plate so you can actually see your plate and not have it piled high with food. It is possible to eat healthy during the holidays.
- Plan time for exercise during the holidays. Exercise not only helps relieve stress but also helps you to prevent weight gain. If you aren’t going to the gym regularly plan other ways to get exercise in during the day. Park a little further away from the store for example so you get a few more steps in when running errands. Even a short twenty-minute walk each day will help you feel better.
- Do you usually spend time baking during the holidays, making cookies and other goodies to gift? Try to take the focus off food and take time to make non-edible gifts such as decorations or treats for your furry friends. Friends with dogs would love getting treats for their pets!
- Practice healthy holiday cooking. Prepare your favorite dishes using less fat and calories. There are many recipes online to help you cook healthier holiday favorites.
Enjoy the holidays and follow these simple tips to help you eat healthy during this season. Remember the reason for the season, and enjoy the company of your friend’s and family.
Nancy on the Home Front 