The holidays are a time full of fun, family, friends and delicious food and drinks. While it’s okay to enjoy decadent foods in moderation, it can be tough to stick to your healthy eating plan and keep your diet on track. With weeks of cookies and candy around the office, holiday parties and choosing quick over healthy meals, it can snowball into a month long binge of unhealthy eating. Here are 6 tips for eating healthy while enjoying everything the holiday season has to offer.
Plan Ahead
If you know you have a holiday party where you will indulge, plan ahead and make sure to eat a healthy and nutritious breakfast and lunch. Don’t try to starve yourself all day in preparation, you will only end up overeating unhealthy foods and throw your blood sugar off track.
Cheat a Little
Everything is okay in moderation, and that includes all the decadent foods and desserts that often come with the holidays. Allow yourself to have a small serving of something you wouldn’t typically eat, and fill up on healthy foods. This will curb your cravings and you won’t feel like you’re depriving yourself of something delicious!
Keep Moving
Finding the time to exercise is never easy, especially during the holiday season. With all the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to skip a workout or give up on your regimen until after the New Year. Even if you can’t make it to the gym, taking a quick walk, doing a workout video in your living room or getting in movement of any kind can get your heart rate up and help reduce weight gain this time of year.
Fill Up on Healthy Foods
Don’t let one bad meal turn into a week or month of unhealthy eating. Make sure to focus on eating filling, nutritious foods that are high in fiber and low in sugar and fat. These foods will keep you full longer and help you resist temptation when there is a delicious spread.
Make Healthy Recipes
If you’re invited to a holiday party, offer to bring something! This way, you can make a healthy and nutritious dish or dessert that you know you can enjoy while you’re at the party. Making simple changes to your favorite recipes or doing a quick internet search for some healthy recipes will give you a variety of delicious options to choose from.
While there is often some guilt that comes with indulging during the holiday season, the good news is you can enjoy all that this wonderful time has to offer and stay healthy along the way. With some simple changes, a focus on moderation and a little bit of will power, you can enjoy delicious food without the guilt. Happy holidays from all of us at Southwoods Health!
