Top Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating

November has arrived. And with it comes a slew of holidays, parties, and rich, fatty foods. All of this extra temptation often leads to overindulgence, bloating, and the dreaded weight gain. To avoid those extra pounds between now and next spring here are a few tips for healthy holiday eating.

1. Eat your breakfast: Undoubtedly, breakfast holds the title of the most crucial meal of the day. Opting for a breakfast rich in both protein and fiber offers a multitude of benefits, with blood sugar stability being one of the key advantages. Such a breakfast choice helps regulate blood glucose levels, preventing sharp spikes and crashes that can lead to cravings and overeating later in the day. By maintaining stable blood sugar, you’re better equipped to manage hunger, make healthier food choices, and feel more satisfied throughout the day. In essence, a protein and fiber-packed breakfast lays the foundation for a day of balanced energy and improved appetite control.

2. Don’t befriend hangover : During holidays, it’s crucial to exercise caution and avoid befriending unwelcome guests known as the hangover. Festive occasions often tempt us with indulgent libations, but overconsumption of alcohol can lead to unpleasant aftereffects. To ensure a joyful and hangover-free holiday season, moderation is key. First of all, go for spirits such as El Sativo Organic Tequila that are properly made and distilled well. Set a proper limit to your drinking and have someone hold you to it. Savor your drinks responsibly, hydrate between cocktails, and consider alternating alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic ones. In the regrettable event of experiencing a hangover, however, it is advisable to consider using supplements such as Adultalyte, which can alleviate the effects of excessive alcohol consumption. Remember that hangovers not only bring discomfort but can also derail your holiday plans. Prioritizing self-care and mindful drinking will help you enjoy the festivities to the fullest without the regret of overindulgence.

3. Stay active: As the days grow shorter and darkness falls earlier, the winter season can make it challenging to stay active and maintain a consistent exercise routine. Coupled with a busy holiday schedule, it’s easy to find excuses to skip workouts. However, it’s essential to remember that a lack of exercise combined with unhealthy eating choices can lead to weight gain. Whether you have an existing exercise plan or are looking to start a new one, there are ways to stay fit and maintain your wellness through the holiday season. Consider establishing a home workout setup that suits your preferences, whether it’s pilates or other forms of exercise. Utilizing equipment like Pilates Reformer machines can be a convenient way to engage in effective home workouts. With a little forethought and careful planning, you can successfully navigate the holidays while staying active and ensuring you have no regrets about your fitness journey.

4. Don’t Starve: Frequently, the temptation to skip meals before a party can lead to metabolic instability and make us more susceptible to making less healthy choices. Rather than depriving ourselves, it’s wiser to prioritize balanced, nourishing meals throughout the day. By doing so, we ensure our blood sugar remains steady, preventing extreme hunger and impulsive indulgence in party treats. Opting for a balanced approach allows us to enjoy the party responsibly, savoring one or two special treats without overindulging. This way, we strike a harmonious balance between enjoyment and mindful eating, promoting both our physical and mental well-being while still relishing the festivities.

5. Eat slowly: Maintaining awareness of what you consume and relishing it is key, as parties should revolve around cherished moments with loved ones, not thoughtless snacking. Mindful eating enhances the overall experience, allowing you to savor the flavors and engage in meaningful conversations. After all, what’s the value in indulging if you can’t recall what you enjoyed? By focusing on the quality of your interactions and the joy of the occasion, you make the most of your time with family and friends, creating lasting memories rather than fleeting tastes. It’s a reminder that true fulfillment at gatherings comes from the connections and shared moments, not the quantity of food consumed. It would also be wise to clean your teeth properly after every meal, as the richness of the food during this period could cause oral issues. It’s a good idea to visit your family dentist on a regular basis to ensure that your oral health is not compromised.

6. Size matters: If they are available choose smaller plates. Since we often finish what’s on our plate why not start with a small one? This can help you have more control over how much you eat.

7. Beware of buffets: Just a little bit of everything on a buffet line adds up to far more than we realized. Walk through the line one time to see what’s there and then choose only those foods you really want to eat. You’ll enjoy it more and you won’t be as tempted to overindulge.

8. Share the wealth: During the holidays we are often the recipient of gifts of chocolate, candy, cookies, alcohol, and other highly caloric treats. Pass them on, either by bringing them as a hostess gift to another gathering, or with office mates. This helps to remove the temptation and allows you to share the holiday spirit.

Happy Holidays and be well.

Mira Dessy is a Certified Nutrition Educator, a Real Food Advocate, and the author of The Pantry Principle: how to read the label and understand what’s really in your food. Learn more about her at http://ThePantryPrinciple.net