Eating Your Way Through the Holiday Season

“It’s the holiday season, So whoop de do and dickory dock…”

During this time of year, some people start to worry about their weight gain, which is totally understandable. We attend multiple parties, which are loaded with snacks, beverages and treats galore. We begin to wonder is it even possible to eat healthy during this time of year? Well, let me tell you the answer to that question is YES! Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind this holiday season:

1. Eat Regularly- Don’t skip a meal to have room for later. Continuing to eat small frequent meals during the day will help prevent you from overeating. Just remember skipping meals does not mean weight loss, it could actually make you gain weight by slowing down your metabolism.

2. Limit alcohol- Alcohol is loaded with empty calories. If you do enjoy drinking try a lower-calorie beverage such as gin and tonic vodka sodas, white wine or trying alternating between alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages such as seltzer, or water.

3. Use smaller plates- When using small plates you are less likely to overload your plate.

4. Eat slowly- While eating think of texture, flavor, consistency, this will help you slow down and savor each bite.

5. Socialize- Having conversations during meals not only brings the family together it also helps you slow down and enjoy your meals.

6. Don’t forget the fruits and vegetables- Load up your plate with a variety of different fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber which will keep you fuller for longer. Bonus if you buy fruits and vegetables that are in season!

7. Modify recipes- If you are hosting your holiday party- try healthy food swaps that will help limit fat, sugar, and calories. Some ideas: swapping Greek yogurt for sour cream, rice cauliflower instead of white rice, lettuce wraps instead of taco shells, spinach/kale instead of iceberg lettuce, zucchini noodles/spaghetti squash instead of pasta, applesauce instead of butter/shortening, nutmeg/cinnamon/vanilla instead of sugar, herbs/spices instead of salt.

8. Get active- Try not to spend your time inside surrounded by food, go for walks, throw a ball around or play games with your family and friends.

If you overindulged this holiday season, do not worry! Eating is part of the holiday experience. Never call yourself a failure or stress about food, just learn from this experience and try to figure out how you can improve for next time.

Have a happy and healthy holiday season!

-Theresa