Holiday time can be stressful when you are trying to eat healthy. There can be a lot of pressure to pig out and indulge.
There are two extremes to holiday eating that I don’t recommend.
Eating unhealthy food in large quantities for a number of meals or days. Or, the opposite, depriving yourself of enjoying some unhealthy food and sticking to a strict eating regime.
I believe you can enjoy time with family and friends eating delicious food AND also eat well. (Side note, healthy food can be delicious)
Here are a few key strategies to make it easier for you to have this balance.
First, 1-2 hours prior to your large meal, eat a small healthy snack.
Having a small snack helps you avoid over-eating whether it’s the appetizers or the fact that the meal was served later than expected leaving you really hungry.
If you’re not the one hosting the meal, make healthy food to bring. Offer to bring a healthy side dish, such as a salad or veggie tray, or a dessert like a fruit tray with sugar-free chocolate dip or black bean brownies.
When at the large meal, prioritize protein and vegetables. For women, aim for 1 portion of protein, for men, 2 portions. 1 portion = palm size.
Load up half your plate with veggies, trying to have at least 3 different colors. Take smaller portions of the other types of food.
If you’re eating dessert, choose fruit or a small piece of a sweet treat, and remember, you don’t have to eat it all.
You’ll want to wait at least 20 minutes before going for seconds; as it takes that long for you to feel full.
There’s nothing wrong with a glass of wine or two, but a good strategy to reduce alcohol intake is to alternate between an alcoholic drink and water.
If you’re choosing to drink alcohol then have less starches or carbs.
Of course, at the end of the day, it’s only 1 meal or 2 and if you eat healthy on a regular basis it’s not a huge deal.
The most important thing is to make sure you enjoy the time with family and friends!!
