If holiday season is your favorite time of the year, don't give up all your favorite foods and traditions! When following a well-balanced diet, everything is okay in moderation!
The key to success is planning, preparing, and thoroughly enjoying the next month. Turn weight loss mode into weight maintenance mode. Get creative and tweak those recipes you have been using year after year. Just remember, one "splurge" meal won't ruin your day, week, or month! Happy Holidays!
5 Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating
1. Plan for the party. The worst thing you could do the day of a party is a skip a meal! Make sure to prepare for that day, with healthy snacks and protein packed meals to keep you satisfied. Plan for a light snack before you head out the door, try a low-fat yogurt, fruit, or a small handful of almonds or walnuts.
2. Bring your own healthy dish. It may be hard to anticipate what will be served ahead of time. If you aren't hosting, try bringing a simple vegetable dish or healthier dessert options. Try string beans, Brussels sprouts, a fruit platter, or a pumpkin pie without the crust. You may be surprised, other guests will be delighted to try your healthy dish.
3. Get physically active. Party and holiday time can be time consuming after a full work-day. This makes factoring in exercise even more important. Exercise decreases stress, increases our metabolism, and will give you that extra energy you need during holiday season. Schedule it in wherever possible. Get walking on your lunch break, take the stairs, play with the kids outside, and park far away from your destination. Try getting the family together and signing up for a holiday 5K and get walking. This may be a good time to bring everyone together while staying physically active. Keep in mind that some exercise is better than nothing. Plan for future events and get moving before that.
4. Beverages beware! When it comes to alcohol, go with low calorie options and work that cocktail for the night! One shot of vodka, gin, or rum mixed with club soda and lime is about 100 kcal and light beer or wine is about 150 kcal. Moderate alcohol consumption is defined by the American Heart Association as one to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. (Reminder= 1 drink is one 12-ounce beer, 4 ounces of wine, 1.5 ounces of 80-proof spirits or 1 ounce of 100-proof spirits.) Use extra caution around egg-nog which can vary between 345- 450 kcal.
5.Holiday eating is all about moderation. If you have been in weight loss mode, use the holiday season to shift into weight maintenance. This is the time of year to enjoy family and friends while staying healthy. Be sure to make conscious indulgences while planning accordingly that week and earlier in the day. Anticipate your weaknesses. If dessert is the culprit, leave the dinner roll and have that small piece of cheesecake!
