The holiday season is a time for joy, family, and, of course, food.
It can be easy to overindulge and stray from healthy habits. But don’t worry! You don’t have to skip all the holiday treats to stay on track with your health goals.
By being mindful of our choices and planning ahead, we can enjoy the best of both worlds: delicious holiday food and a healthy lifestyle.
Let’s discuss some tips to help us eat healthy during the holidays.
Eating Healthy During the Holidays
Balance Your Plate
When you’re at a holiday meal, the key is balance. Instead of filling up on mashed potatoes and dessert first, aim to fill half your plate with vegetables, then about a quarter with lean protein (like turkey), and the remaining bit with whole grains or starches (such as sweet potatoes or quinoa). By loading up on nutritious options first, you’ll feel satisfied without going overboard on the calorie-dense foods.
Practice Portion Control
The holidays can be notorious for bigger portions, whether it’s a second slice of pie or a heaping plate of stuffing.
A great way to keep things in check is to use smaller plates or bowls. This makes it easier to control your portions while still getting a taste of everything. If you’re at a buffet-style dinner, try taking smaller servings of each dish so you can try a variety of foods without overloading your plate.
Make Healthier Substitutions
Instead of traditional mashed potatoes, try mashed cauliflower or a vegetable casserole.
If you are doing the cooking, swap out heavy cream for lighter versions like almond milk or coconut cream in soups and sauces. And if you’re baking, reduce the amount of sugar or use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. These small changes can make a big difference without sacrificing taste.
Eat Mindfully
Try to eat mindfully by savouring each bite, paying attention to your body’s hunger cues, and putting down your fork between bites. Eating slowly helps you feel more satisfied with smaller portions, and it gives your body time to recognize when it’s full.
Stay Active
One of the best ways to balance out holiday indulgence is to stay active. Try taking a walk before or after dinner.
Physical activity not only burns off extra calories but also boosts our mood and energy levels, which can help reduce stress and prevent emotional eating.
Drink Smart
Holidays often come with an abundance of festive beverages, from sugary cocktails to rich eggnog.
Be mindful of the ingredients and portion sizes. Try lighter cocktails or light beer, or choose a sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice (my personal fave), for a refreshing, low-calorie option.
Don’t forget about hydration. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps control hunger and keeps us feeling our best.
Don’t Skip Meals
Skipping meals can lead to overeating later on when you finally sit down to eat.
Instead, start your day with a healthy breakfast like oatmeal with fruit or eggs with veggies to keep your metabolism steady. Having smaller, balanced meals throughout the day will help you from overeating at holiday events.
Enjoy the Treats (Without the Guilt )
It’s important to enjoy the special treats that come with the holidays. The key is not to feel guilty about it. If we deprive ourselves entirely, it can lead to bingeing later on.
Allowing yourself a small portion of something you love can make the holiday season more enjoyable without sabotaging your health goals.
Plan Ahead
If you know you’re attending a party or a holiday dinner, try to eat a healthy snack beforehand so you’re not starving when you arrive. This will help you make better choices and avoid reaching for unhealthy options right away.
If you’re hosting, offer a mix of healthier options, like a vegetable platter with hummus, or roasted nuts, alongside the more indulgent dishes.
Final Thoughts
Eating healthy during the holidays doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun or the food.
With a little planning, mindfulness, and balance, we can enjoy all the great eating while keeping our health and wellness on track.
The holidays are a time for celebration, and part of that celebration is enjoying food in a way that feels good.
Please let me know some of your own tips, or tell me what you like eating this time of year.
Happy Holidays!
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