The holiday season is often synonymous with indulgence, from rich, decadent meals to tempting treats and sugary beverages. With near-constant temptations surrounding you, it’s essential to maintain healthy eating habits to support your overall well-being.
Healthy Holiday Eating Tips
Let Moderation Be Your Guide
One of the keys to healthy eating during the holidays is to focus on balance and moderation. Allow yourself to enjoy your favorite holiday treats but be mindful of portion sizes and the frequency of these indulgences. A mindset that shows grace for a few hand-picked treats will give you the opportunity to better enjoy this joyous time without the guilt that comes with trying to hold yourself to perfection and giving in to the temptation of a holiday treat.
Eat healthy when you can. Take opportunities to incorporate plenty of nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Rather than skipping breakfast on Thanksgiving Day to maximize your holiday calories, eat a healthy, well-balanced breakfast. This hearty start to the day gives you a better chance of making good decisions later in the day and provides your body with the nutrients that it needs to thrive. You will find yourself feeling better both because of the nourishment for your body and because of the good choices that you have made.
Listen to Your Body
Another important strategy is to be mindful of your hungry and full cues. Slow down and savor your meals, paying attention to how your body feels. This can help you avoid overeating and the subsequent feelings of discomfort or guilt. You will enjoy your meals more, as well, if you take the time to notice and appreciate the food you are eating. If you find yourself in a situation where the temptation to overindulge is high, take a moment to pause, reflect on your goals, and make a conscious choice about how to proceed. Often in the holidays, taste buds and cravings rule the day, but listen to what the rest of your body is telling you, too.
Prepare for the Unknown
A hectic schedule is almost guaranteed with gift shopping, dinners, school events, and preparations for travel or guests. Many of us find ourselves running from store to store or heading right to an event after work. Hunger grows, and healthy options seem limited.
Consider packing healthy snacks, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts, to have on hand when hunger strikes. This can make it easier to make nutritious choices when you’re on the go or faced with limited options. By being proactive and making mindful choices, you can enjoy the holiday season without sacrificing your overall health and wellness.
Have a Plan
If you are anything like the typical American family, the holiday season is filled with traditional holiday dishes. Whether it’s grandma’s famous sweet potatoes or those irresistible holiday cookies, an array of tempting indulgences often lines the table. As you look ahead to the holidays, having a plan is essential for making it through unscathed. Think through the menu for each gathering, and decide which treat or comfort dish is worth the calories. If you know ahead of time which indulgence you are allowing, you have a better chance of leaving the table without being racked with guilt or adding a few extra pounds.
Consider a Few Healthy Alternatives
Many traditional holiday dishes are loaded with sugar, salt, fat, or all three. Think about your typical holiday spread. Can you see the mashed potatoes and gravy? Or the macaroni with gooey cheese? Envision the desserts. Pies, cookies, chocolate, caramels. The menu is a long train of unhealthy dishes. However, a few changes to the ingredients or a few dishes made a healthier way, and your gatherings pose less of a risk to your healthy habits.
Experiment with more nutritious ingredients this holiday season. Try adding some Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Roasting vegetables in olive oil is a delicious, yet far more wholesome option compared to the traditional butter and cream-heavy recipes. Cookies made with applesauce, honey, or extra vanilla and spices make for tasty treats with a much lower sugar impact.
Thanksgiving Day does not need to mark the beginning of a stretch where unhealthy eating and weight gain are inevitable. You can give yourself a few opportunities to enjoy your favorites while still prioritizing healthy eating a majority of your meals. Give yourself the tools and strategies you need to savor a guilt-free holiday season.
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