‘Tis the season for family, fun, and lots of calories. As the most indulgent season of the year, the holidays can be a struggle for some of us to stick to our healthy eating routine. Your body functions best when there’s a healthy balance of food. Check out these tips below to help you navigate nutrition during the holidays.
- Avoid Overeating
During the holidays, there’s an abundance of excitement that’s built up around one meal. It can be easy to not eat until the afternoon or evening dinner, however, skipping meals can lead to overeating. Instead of saving up room for the feast, try and eat closer to your usual times so your body can stay in routine. If your meal is served later than normal, eat a small snack at your usual mealtime and eat a little less when dinner is served.
- Don’t Forget to Sweat
The holiday season can seem too busy to fit in your normal exercise routine, but with overeating as a common holiday tradition, it’s time to prioritize your exercise. Being active is your secret holiday weapon to counteract the overeating and reduce stress during the holidays. If you can’t find the free time, try splitting your exercise routine into smaller chunks so it’s easier to schedule, like walking 10 minutes several times a day.
- Take a Break
It takes a few minutes for your brain to realize you’re full. In order to prevent a stomachache, take a break after your first serving to see if you actually have room for more food. Make conversation. Drink some water. Then recheck your appetite.
- Choose Your Indulgences
Outsmart the buffet by using a small plate to dish your food. Instead of eating every option, choose a couple holiday favorites or foods that you can’t have any other day of the year. Make sure to walk around the table or buffet so you know all your options before choosing. And don’t forget the vegetables!
- Save Room for Dessert
It’s the holiday season, so you know there’s going to be dessert. Cutting back on other carbs (like potatoes and bread) or starting with low-calorie vegetables during the meal can leave both room and calories to indulge in dessert.