The holiday season is a time to gather with your loved ones, and what better way to celebrate than with food?
Food brings us together, but it’s also very easy to overindulge during the holidays. If we adjust our holiday nutrition mindset and maintain heathy habits, we can strike a balance between savoring, indulging, celebrating and eating healthy.
Below are five ways to help you achieve that balance:
- Have a Bulletproof Holiday Eating Plan Regardless of What Is Being Served
Eat regularly and close to your usual times to help control your blood sugar. If the meal is later than usual, eat a small, healthy snack like sliced veggies beforehand to curb your appetite. Avoid “saving your calories” for that one big meal later in the day. This can lead to overeating.
We should be excited to indulge a little during the holidays, so don’t forgo that sweet treat just because you’re worried about your sugar intake. Rather, lower the portion sizes of the other starches (bread, potatoes, stuffing, etc.) served with the main course, or watch the portion size of the sweet treat you choose.
Consume guilt-free in moderation, knowing you’ll go back to your healthy eating plan at the next meal. Drink plenty of water, and limit sugary and/or alcoholic beverages. Alternate alcoholic drinks with nonalcoholic ones.
- Don’t Let That Delicious Buffet Outsmart You!
Use a smaller plate to control portion sizes. Start simple with vegetables, fruits, green salads and lean meats to help curb your appetite away from the higher calorie items. Eat slowly, as it can take your brain up to 20 minutes to realize you’re full. Socialize away from the buffet to control periodically picking at the delicious looking goods. Be that person, and bring a healthy option (like a veggie tray) for the buffet line.
- Remember: Food Is Your Friend
No food is on the naughty list! Food helps us as much physically as it does psychologically. We should feel good and guilt-free about the foods we consume. Choose to consume the dishes that warm your soul this holiday season, but simply do so in moderation. Slow down, and savor every bite in smaller portions.
- Get Your Holiday Groove On
Yes, this means moving! Don’t let physical activity be the only thing not included in your holiday schedule. Daily (ideally hourly) movement in all forms helps make up for any increased eating and reduces stress that the holidays may to bring. Whether it be dancing to holiday tunes, walking after a big meal to help with digestion, completing your favorite workout or throwing the football outside, choose something to keep yourself active and your metabolism running fast.
- Sleep — It’s a Beautiful Thing!
Studies show that good sleeping habits decline during the holiday season. Sleep deprivation can lead to cravings for more high-fat, high-sugar foods and make it harder for our bodies to manage blood sugar. Aim to get at least seven hours of sleep per night to help your body digest and keep an optimal metabolism. Avoid drinking alcohol and eating too close to bedtime to sleep more soundly.
Above all else, remember what this season is about — celebrating and connecting with the people you care about. Happy Holidays!