The holiday season is full of fun traditions and no one wants to be left out because they aren’t eating sugar and white flour this month. But going into the New Year with extra baggage is no fun either.
Horizon Health has a “nice list” of tips to help you enjoy the holiday season while staying healthy and well fed.
That old favorite – drink your water
This is no surprise but drinking your daily dose of water is a key ingredient for successful holiday eating. It helps move nutrients throughout your body and can reduce the urge to snack. Feelings of hunger are often thirst in disguise. It helps regulate your blood sugar if you’ve indulged in a few cookies. While not an actual facial – you’ll have to ask Santa for that – water helps skin elasticity so you’re looking your best for those holiday parties.
Stack your plate
Make good use of everyone’s charcuterie boards and imaginative brussels sprouts concoctions to load half your plate with vegetables. They’re full of nutrients and in the Christmas season you might luck out and get some wrapped in bacon or dipped in delicious cheese. Divide the rest of your plate by giving a quarter to protein and another to carbs.
Don’t make it all or nothing
The holidays are meant to enjoy and that means sampling a cookie here and there. Following the 80/20 rule helps keep everything in proportion. Eat healthy, nourishing meals 80 percent of the time and enjoy treats 20 percent of the time. Choose the things you love and skip those that are offered but aren’t one of your favorites. Be mindful of when you feel full and stop eating.
Slow down and enjoy
Holiday gatherings have a great advantage for helping your body digest meals. Conversation slows the speed at which you eat. This is helpful for helping your body manage blood sugar, reduces pressure on the cardiovascular system and allows the message you’re full to reach your brain before you’ve cleaned your plate.
Maintaining is meaningful
If you’re on a weight loss journey remember that it is truly a journey. Maintaining your weight during the holidays is a win – especially considering all the temptations available. The holidays only come around once a year so it’s OK to enjoy favorite treats by being mindful of goals you’re trying to achieve.
For more information on great ideas for holiday health, contact a Horizon provider at your closest location. Thank you for choosing Horizon Health and have a wonderful holiday season!