Healthy Holiday Eating-Part III The Reason for the Season…It’s Not About the Food

We have Thanksgiving in the rear-view mirror and the hustle and bustle of Christmas is upon us.  During that hustle and bustle, we sometimes forget to keep healthy nutrition habits at the forefront.

Whether we are busy with kids’ activities, busy holiday shopping, busy attending holiday parties, OR THE BIG ONE…are surrounded by holiday goodies at work, home, or well…just about everywhere, here are some healthy holiday eating tips to help us remember “the reason for the season”.

·         Prepare to host the holiday festivities so you can plan the menu.

·         Provide recipes to friends and family members willing to help.

·         Whether planning or attending the festivities, remember to offer or choose fresh fruits and veggies vs. high carbohydrate, high fat, low nutrient dense options.

Fresh veggie tray at one of our family holiday gatherings!

·         Partake of water and no-calorie beverages vs. high calorie beverages or alcohol and if you choose to indulge, sip a glass of water between each alcoholic drink.

·         Stand away from the buffet tables and food trays to avoid the urge to nibble constantly.

·         Don’t skip meals and go to holiday get-togethers/parties hungry, but do eat a snack or even a meal prior to going to the function.

·         Ask the host/hostess of the festivity for a menu so you can plan ahead to determine what you will eat and drink.

·         Eat off of a salad or dessert plate vs. a dinner plate to help keep portions in check.

·         Survey the entire table before you take any food.  Decide which foods are worth eating and which you can ignore and stick to that decision.

·         Eat one bite of foods so you can try everything.  Eat more of what you like.  Don’t feel the need to finish a food if you don’t like it.

·         Don’t waste calories on foods that don’t bring you pleasure but do savor the taste and texture of your favorite holiday treats in moderation.

·         Learn to say “no thank you” politely.  This often works even with someone who will not take “no” for an answer.

·         Talk more, eat less.  Make the holiday season about enjoying friends and family, rather than all about the food.