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.