Holidays often present a challenge for those trying to maintain a healthy diet, with the period from Thanksgiving to January being particularly tricky.
Kara Bowers, a dietitian, emphasizes the importance of treating this time as a series of individual holidays rather than a continuous feast.
Overindulgence is common during these times due to the availability of special foods not usually part of our daily diet.
Practical Tips for Holiday Eating
Plan Your Meals: On the day of a holiday event, opt for lighter meals. If you know the event will be heavy on carbohydrates, choose a salad with lean protein for lunch to balance your overall intake.
Bring a Healthy Option: Contribute a fruit or vegetable dish to the feast. This ensures that there will be at least one healthy choice available.
Survey Before Serving: Before you start filling your plate, take a moment to look over the entire food spread. Prioritize what you really want to try and start with small portions. You can always go back for a little more of your favorites.
Mindful Selections: Aim to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables. If desserts are irresistible, consider sharing or halving your portion to enjoy the taste without overindulging.
Mindful Eating: Slow down and savor each bite. Listen to your body’s cravings and hunger signals. Enjoy every bite mindfully rather than eating quickly without really tasting the food.
Dealing with Food-Pushers: Keep a little food on your plate to signal that you’re still working on your meal. If someone insists on you eating more, politely acknowledge their effort in preparing the food and tactfully change the subject.
Celebrating Without Compromise
The goal during the holiday season is to enjoy the special foods that come with the festivities without overindulging.
By planning ahead, choosing wisely, and eating mindfully, you can fully enjoy the holiday season without compromising your health goals.
Remember, it’s about balance and making informed choices that allow you to enjoy the holidays while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
If you care about nutrition, please read studies about how Mediterranean diet could protect your brain health, and the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about plant nutrients that could help reduce high blood pressure, and these antioxidants could help reduce dementia risk.
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