The holidays are here! Which means it’s time to eat, drink and be merry, right?
But, what if you’re working on getting healthier? Is it possible to have your “holiday” cake and eat it too while still staying on track?
The answer is YES.
Check out the tips below from Registered Dieticians Jessica VanCleave, MPH, RD, LD; Emily Monfiletto, RD, LD, CCMS; Alyssa Bixler, MS, RD, LD, CDE; Jenalee Richner, RD, LDN; and Brittany Smith, RD, LD, to help you navigate the cookies and the cocktails with little to no weight gain.
Eat breakfast. Oh, and have lunch, too!
Sometimes it may seem like a good idea to skip breakfast or lunch to “save” those calories to indulge later at a holiday party or dinner. But, when you do skip meals, you’ll likely become overly hungry later, which could lead to consuming in excess foods and beverages that are high in calories with little to no nutritional value.
Try eating foods rich in nutrients, like an omelet with spinach for breakfast or a chicken and kale salad for lunch. And, plan to have a healthy snack before you leave so you can still enjoy some holiday treats without overdoing it. Click here for some healthy grab-and-go snack ideas.
Check out that buffet before grabbing a plate
Before you take a little of this, and a little of that, all the way down the buffet table, survey your options first. Make loading up on veggie dishes your first stop, then take smaller portions of those high-calorie foods. And, simply skip those dishes you don’t care for.
Listen to your body when it says “I’m full” and avoid going back for seconds.
Bring the healthy option for the holiday potluck
Instead of bringing mac & cheese or the pumpkin pie, opt for a healthier choice. Try a fresh fruit platter or veggie tray with hummus or homemade ranch dip. Your fellow pot-luckers will thank you – chances are, you aren’t the only one trying to stay healthy this holiday season. for some healthy holiday recipes.
Click here for some healthy holiday recipes.
Give away those leftovers
What’s more tempting than having treats and high-calorie foods readily available in our fridge the days after a get-together? Buy storage containers and send leftovers home with friends and loved ones. Those tasty temptations will be out of sight, out of mind.
Can we talk about beverages?
With the holidays, often comes the eggnog and sugar-bomb cocktails. Swap these sugary options with the healthier ones below.
- Try a spritzer! Combine 3 oz. of white wine, 1 oz. of sparkling water or club soda and garnish with a slice of lemon or lime. More of a red wine fan? Top 2 oz. of red wine over ice with sparkling club soda and garnish with fresh citrus fruit slices. Either option has only about 75 calories each.
- Drink water – but spice it up: Add sliced fruit, veggies or herbs and spices to water. It will feel more indulgent than plain water, but without loads of extra sugar and calories. Click here for some easy recipe ideas.
Squeeze in that exercise
Try to get in at least 20 minutes of physical activity every day. Not only does this increase energy levels, it also helps combat holiday stressors … and we all know that the holidays often bring stress.
Try a fitness challenge with friends or ask a friend or loved one to help hold you accountable. It’s often easier to stick with your plan if someone else knows what you are working on. They’ll encourage you when you need it, and often join in, making it more fun for everyone.
Press the reset button
Just because you overdid it at last night’s holiday party or have found yourself saying yes to a week of holiday treats at the office, that doesn’t mean you have to stick with that pattern. Think about your goals. Pause, breathe and press that reset button.
And remember…
Enjoy special foods on the day but be mindful of opportunities to overeat other times during the season. There are 117 meals from Thanksgiving day to New Year’s day – that’s a lot of opportunities for healthy eating or extra eating.
Stay balanced, stay mindful, and enjoy the holidays with loved ones.
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