Healthy Eating for the Holidays

It’s that time of year again when the weather starts getting colder and we start gathering to celebrate the holidays with family and friends. Food plays a big role in holiday celebrations and can be a bit challenging for those who want to stay consistent in their healthy lifestyle. Staying healthy doesn’t need to be so difficult. Here are some tips to practice healthy holiday eating:

Make your plate colorful

Make your plate colorful by putting a serving of each food group on your plate. Different colored foods provide your body with different vitamins and minerals. 

Smaller Portions

We tend to clean our plate, whether we are hungry or not. Choosing smaller portions and listen to your body, eating until comfortably full. Slowing down can help you eat less overall while still enjoying your favorite foods.

Don’t Skip Meals

Skipping a meal in order to have a “feast” later may be tempting but is likely to cause excessive intake. Stick with a regular, balanced meal or snack before enjoying your holiday celebrations to avoid overindulging.

Bring a Healthy Dish

One of the best ways to ensure there will be a nutritious, lower-calorie dish is to bring one yourself! Veggie or fruit trays, lettuce salads, or lean meats are great options that taste good too.

Maintaining a healthy diet over the holidays can be stress free while still having power over what you eat. Its ok to be a little more relaxed this time of year. Be mindful and aware, but most importantly cherish the time with family and friends!

Relax and Enjoy

Don’t let fear of “breaking the rules” keep you from enjoying the season. Be present, eat mindfully, and enjoy the time celebrating with loved ones.