When it comes to celebrating the holidays, you can always count on the food. Rich appetizers, homemade favorites, and mouth-watering desserts are a staple in many homes over the holiday season. That’s why it’s easy to over-indulge if you aren’t careful. Fending off those extra calories may be easier than you think, though! Here are 10 healthy tips to help you survive the holidays. Remember, if you slip up, make your next choice a healthier one, and don’t beat yourself up!
Tip #1: Eat breakfast.
Studies have shown that a healthy breakfast in the morning keeps you from having cravings and overeating later in the day. Skip the donuts and sugary cereal, though. Try to stick with foods that are high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Oatmeal, avocado, berries, eggs, chia seeds, and even apples with peanut butter are all great options to kick-start your day.
TRY RECIPE: Denver Omelet with Vegetables
Tip #2: Stay hydrated.
Keeping up on your water intake helps curb those sugar cravings and often prevents you from overeating, too. If you notice a craving for something sweet, down a full glass of water first, then reassess if you really want it before you eat.
Tip #3: Never go to a party hungry.
Eat some fruit, raw nuts, or a fat-free yogurt before you go to a big holiday meal. Ten almonds 30-minutes before a holiday feast is only 70 calories and a good source of healthy fats. It will also help fill you up a little, so you don’t overdo portion sizes!
Tip #4: Grab a smaller plate.
It’s so easy to spoon a ginormous serving of calorie-rich food onto your plate when it’s hanging out on 12-inches open space. Opt for a smaller salad plate for your main course and keep those sinful servings that are full of empty calories to a minimum. Mindless eating can be your downfall when your plate is piled high with goodies.
Tip #5: Eat the best-for-you options first.
Load your plate up with nutrient-rich leafy greens, veggies, and low-fat proteins first. If you want something that doesn’t fall into those categories, simply take a smaller portion. This will not only fill you up faster, but you won’t feel deprived of some of your favorite holiday treats. Remember, not all holiday veggies are healthy (yep…. we’re talking to you, green bean casserole and sweet potatoes drenched in marshmallows)!
Tip #6: Choose your indulgences.
Instead of grabbing all your favorites (some of which you could eat all year long), pick items that are special for the season, such as grandma’s pie or your child’s homemade Christmas cookies. You don’t have to deprive yourself to make healthy choices over the holidays. Just keep the portions small and make it a treat… not a nightly tradition.
Tip #7: Eat slowly.
Sit next to a healthy eater (or Great Aunt Kathy who loves to chat and takes forever to eat). This will help you pace your food intake and give your brain time to realize your body is full. Did you know it takes 20-minutes for the “I’m full” signal to fully compute?
Tip #8: Focus on being social.
Conversation is calorie-free, and standing or walking around burns more calories than sitting at a table noshing. So instead of crashing on the couch after you eat, pick an active family game, go for a walk outside, or work together to clean up the dishes!
Tip #9: Keep exercising.
We get that the holidays are busy, so if you feel like you don’t have time for a full workout, go for a couple of 10-15 minute walks or bursts of exercise a day. This can be just as effective at maintaining your overall fitness.
READ: 6 Tips to Get Motivated to Exercise
Tip #10: Get some sleep!
Holiday busyness (and Christmas movies) can have you up later than usual and cut into your much-needed sleep. That can make it harder to control your cravings as your body craves sugar and high-fat foods for quick energy. Fair warning, these foods also make you more tired in the long run. Try to get at least 7 to 8 hours a night to help you ward off cravings and mindless eating.
READ: Can’t Sleep? 7 Tips to Better Rest
Bottom Line on Healthy Holiday Eating
Making healthy choices doesn’t have to be hard, especially if we go into the holidays with a game plan. As always, a quick stop in to see your AlignLife Chiropractor can also help get your body functioning at its best and help you manage your holiday stress.
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