The holiday season is a time filled with parties, holiday meals, and yummy baked treats so temptations are all around us. While it’s great to partake in holiday festivities and spend quality time with family and friends, it’s important to be mindful of what—and how much—you eat.
I think these tips can help.
- Tune inwards, and pay attention to how you feel and how hungry you are. Ask yourself, am I hungry? Let hunger, instead of temptations, guide your eating.
- Keep healthy foods around the house so that it becomes easy to make the healthy choice when you are at home. Stock up on a colorful assortment of fruits and vegetables, yogurt, whole grain crackers and cereal, fish, chicken, beans, hummus, and nuts.
- Eat something healthy in the morning. Begin your day with healthy food— oatmeal, fruit and yogurt, or a veggie omelet. Even if you are not a big breakfast eater, don’t let hours go by without eating something.
- Stay hydrated and drink lots of water. While you think you mag be hungry, you might just be thirsty. And skip the sodas, fruit drinks, and alcoholic beverages. Enjoy one alcoholic drink with a meal.
- Pay attention to your portions. One of the easiest ways to practice portion control is to fill half your plate with fruit and vegetables, a quarter with healthy starch, and the other quarter with protein. Buy single-servings of snacks and eat the more decadent foods off of a smaller plates.
- Leave some food on your plate. Remember that you do not need to clean your plate. Stop eating when you are satisfied and let some time pass. You can always go back for more if you are still truly hungry.
- Eat slowly. Chew your food slowly and enjoy every bite. Put your fork down between bites to slow yourself down. Enjoy your company and conversation.
- Sit down when you eat. Eat at the table and shut off the TV and focus on your food instead.
- Avoid heavy meals or foods high in sugar or fat before bed. Late-night dinners or snacks should be light and nutritious. Sugary foods can keep you awake.
- Be grateful for the good in your life. Especially at this time of year, count your blessings instead of your calories.
Wishing you and your loved ones good health, yummy food, and fun-filled holiday festivities.
Warmly,
Enjoy these “snacks” for your soul