Want to know how you can eat healthy during the holidays? Here are some simple tips that will guide you to make smart food choices during this time.
If you want to eat healthy during the holidays, you may think you’re in for an uphill battle. I mean, food is a huge part of the holiday season, at least it is for me. There will be family dinners, parties and lots of treats that you may not ordinarily have in your home.
Add in the stress of travelling, family coming to visit or long hours shopping and you are actually more prone to gain weight.
So, how do you manage to maintain a balanced diet and not have to throw your scale out the window after Christmas?
Here are some simple tips for you to celebrate, enjoy yourself and still eat healthy meals.
How To Eat Healthy During The Holidays
Be Realistic
Quite honestly, the holidays are probably the worst time you can choose to lose weight. Just being frank here. There’s so much temptation all around and when you see everyone else letting their hair down, you will want to as well.
But, I believe you can set your mind to do whatever you want. Just make sure you are realistic with your goals. Maybe aim to maintain your weight and lose a few pounds in the new year.
It could be that your intention is not about your weight at all. You could simply want to make better food choices. If that’s the case, then the following tips will definitely help.
Meal Plan
I constantly sing my praises about the benefits of meal planning and I will reiterate them here. Meal planning allows you to know exactly what you will cook and eat during an upcoming time frame. It saves you from wasting money on groceries you never use and from eating out regularly. We all know that eating home-cooked food is usually better than meals you might purchase so that in itself is a huge win if you’re trying to eat healthy during the holidays.
You also avoid the frustration of not knowing what to cook. I don’t know about you but I hate coming home at the end of the day and then wondering what I will eat.
I recommend planning for one week if you are new to the process.
Healthy Snacks
Having wholesome snacks on hand at all times is one of the best ways to eat healthy during the holidays. When you’re on the go or just idle at home (does that ever happen when you’re super busy and have kids?), healthy snacks will save you from wolfing down anything you get your hands on.
Just do yourself a big favour and get rid of the bad stuff. It helps when you don’t have to make the decision between eating a candy bar or a handful of almonds.
Make Smart Choices
Speaking of making decisions, sometimes you’re not in a position to completely eliminate all the bad foods. Let’s say you’re a Christmas party and the tables are just laden with delicious-looking chocolates and pastries. Then in the back somewhere, there are some vegetables and dip.
You need to take a deep breath, bypass all that sugary fattening food and grab the healthy stuff. Then, get the hell out of there before you change your mind!
No matter where you are and what position you’re in, there will be a way to make your meals more nutritious. Avoid meats that are battered and fried. Choose grilled or baked ones instead. Opt for salad or veggies instead of carbs as a side at dinner. Select broth-based soups instead of cream. You can do this!
Don’t Go Overboard
You can indulge a bit but don’t get carried away. Have a little piece of something sweet. Enjoy the offerings at your next family dinner or party but stick to smaller portions when you do.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with treating yourself every once in a while. Just do it in moderation.
Fill Up Before You Go Out
If you know you’ll going to be lacking willpower, don’t go out with an empty stomach. You’ll just be setting yourself up for disaster.
Eat a filling meal before you leave home so you’ll be less tempted by whatever indulgent foods and drinks are available when you go out.
Limit Alcohol
You can drink your calories too not just eat them. Alcohol contains lots of empty calories that can easily be avoided. Plus, drinking makes you more susceptible to poor food decisions. This definitely will not help you accomplish your mission to eat healthy during the holidays. So, limit the amount of alcohol that you intake.
Seek Backup
Sometimes, even with a full stomach, I might not be able to resist the allure of some goodies. What can I say? I’m weak when it comes to food.
If you’re anything like me, get a friend or your spouse to keep you in check.
We all have that one person in our lives, who are more than happy to slap us on the wrist and give us a disapproving look. This could be irritating when you don’t ask for it but if you really want it, ask away and get them to steer you clear of foods you want to avoid.
Slow Down
When we’re starving, we tend to eat quickly. The problem with that is, it takes a little while before your brain can catch up with your stomach. Taking your time, allows your body to tell your brain when it’s satisfied. This prevents overeating.
The holidays are all about celebration and spending time with those near and dear to your heart. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself trying to eat healthy during the holidays. Stay present and enjoy!
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