If you’re on a mission to eat healthier, exercise more, and say “no” to sweets, big holiday meals can be your enemy. At the same time, you don’t want to miss out on spending time with friends and family in the name of watching your waistline. By following these healthy eating tips for the holidays, you can have the best of both worlds.
Monitor Your Portions
Many families cook traditional holiday meals that only show up on the table once a year. It’s okay to allow yourself to indulge in a few of your favorite holiday foods, but make sure you’re keeping an eye on how much you’re eating, especially if they’re on the sugary side.
If you’re serving a holiday meal, try using smaller plates and skinnier glassware to help yourself keep your portions under control.
Mingle Away from the Snack Table
If cookies, candy, and other holiday sweets are right in front of you, you’re bound to start snacking. To avoid this, stand far enough away from these temptations that you have to make a conscious effort to indulge in foods that you might otherwise avoid.
When eating a meal or even a snack, try not to rush. Savor your food, don’t hurry to gobble it down.
Eat before Going to a Holiday Party
It might seem counterintuitive, but if you know you’re going to a holiday party that’ll be overloaded with cakes, cookies, and cocktails, eat a healthy snack before you go. That way, you’ll be more apt to eat smaller portions and not overindulge because you’ve waited so long for dinner.
Start a Food Journal
Food journaling can be a helpful way to realize how many calories (and the quality of calories) that you’re eating on a regular basis. Just because it’s Christmastime doesn’t mean you can’t start food journaling now. And don’t give up on yourself if you have to enter a Christmas cookie here and there.
Swap Eggnog for a Glass of Red Wine
If you’re a fan of seasonal drinks, you might be tempted to reach for that carton of eggnog that’s sure to be popping up in stores. Instead, try a healthier option like “soy nog” or even a glass of red wine, which has been shown to have a variety of health benefits, including improved heart health and even better management of type 2 diabetes.
