Happy post-Thanksgiving!
Many people struggle with healthy eating on holidays. Often, they decide that
it’s a holiday and they will just enjoy it. That usually means eating many
foods in larger quantities. As a dietitian, I wonder what to advise my patients
on this topic. Should I just say, “it’s a holiday, it does not happen often,
just enjoy?” Or, should I encourage my patients to continue to make healthy
choices every day?
Somehow,
a holiday is not just one day. The holiday has become holiday season, and the
holiday treats are eaten for weeks in advance of the actual special day. It
ends up becoming a challenge during the entire month… But in truth, it is the
same challenge the whole year. We are always inundated with treats, snacks, and
yummy food. It is hard to stay away from tempting food when it is right in
front of us.
Here
are some strategies on making healthy choices all year round...but especially
when the holidays are here.
- Don’t buy it! If it’s not in your house, you won’t eat it
- Stock up on healthy foods
- Check out restaurant menus before you dine, and see if you can find some healthier choices; some places post their nutrition facts online
- Split your restaurant meal with someone
- Share your plate of dessert
- Plan ahead and choose the treats that you’d like to eat rather than tasting some of everything
- Start your day with a healthy breakfast; saving your calories for a big meal usually does not work
- Choose water, flavored water, and flavored seltzer rather than soda
- Don’t stop your healthy routines such as exercise
- Bring a healthy dish to a potluck
In the comments below, please
share your healthy eating strategies for the holiday season.
Interesting... During the holiday season my family celebrates by adding one extra, sweet dish to every meal. Yesterday, for example, we shared a yummy apple pie. Now that I am reading these blogs and becoming more health-conscious, I'm going to need to find a way to avoid these extras. Man, it's going to be hard.
ReplyDeleteFocus on the healthy foods that you would prefer to eat rather than all the foods that you are aiming to avoid. :)
DeleteThis is a good one... And much needed! I find the the tip about choosing your treats beforehand really useful. I find this is true with buffets too; instead of trying "a bit of everything", you take a look at everything beforehand and then choose what you want... It really helps you stay on top of what and how much you're eating!
ReplyDeletetrue, a buffet is a good example of when choose ahead. :)
DeleteThanks for awesome tips! I kinda really like soda though...
ReplyDeleteHave you tried flavored seltzers? Lemon-lime seltzer is reminiscent of Sprite. Black cherry may remind you of cherry coke. It's not easy to stop soda...
DeleteWhat do you do when you're in a mood where you just crave that bad food and your willpower is low? Especially holiday time where it's impossible to get away from food!
ReplyDeleteSome people find that in that situation the best thing to do is to take yourself out of the situation. Get up from the table if you can. If you are the host, start to put the food away. Some people find it helpful to buddy with a friend and remind each other what you really prefer. And of course, don't beat yourself up if you slip up and have one too many treats! Forgive yourself, and remind yourself that every moment is a new opportunity. :)
DeleteThanks for shearing venice fl home smells like mold or mildew
ReplyDelete