7 Healthy tips
for the holidays
From Thanksgiving to New Years, the next few months are filled with events, and of course, lots of delicious food. Remember a few of these tips to help you stay healthy while enjoying family and friends. Cheers!
1. Eat nutrient-dense food
During the holidays many of the most delicious dishes are being served. To ensure that you don’t overeat on high-calorie meals, choose more satiating foods. Foods that provide a feeling of longer satiety are products with a lot of fiber and/or proteins. Drinking enough water throughout the day also makes you feel less hungry.
2. Healthy snacks
Snacks are an easy way to still your hunger fast. Because you eat a snack in between meals there is a chance that you eat too quickly or too thoughtlessly, what can result in the risk of consuming more than your body needs. During the holiday season, there are many unhealthy snacks as a temptation. Try to choose a healthy snack more often, so you don’t get as many calories in. It is also useful to have a healthy snack 1-2 hours before a large meal, this reduces the risk of overeating because you will be less hungry.
3. Stick to your daily routine
Many people deviate from their normal routine during the holidays. Try to keep to your daily routine of 3 meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Skipping meals because you expect a big lunch, can lead to consuming more snacks or binging at the next meal. By continuing to eat regularly, preferably nutrient-dense foods, you will be less tempted to overeat on unhealthy snacks or high-calorie meals.
4. Portion control and listening to your body
During the holidays you can eat more than you actually want. Therefore, listen carefully to your body. When you are satisfied, stop eating. Feeling bad because you ate too much can put a damper on the holiday spirit. Eating with small bites can make a lot of difference. By eating with a small spoon and chewing well, you eat more slowly. This will give you a satiated feeling faster.
5. Food swap
Are you going to cook yourself these holidays? Swap some ingredients with healthier alternatives.
For example:
Crème fraîche swap to sour cream or greek yogurt
Sliced avocado instead of bacon
Baked sweet potato instead of mashed potatoes and gravy
Olive oil-based dressing instead of mayo-based
6. Keep moving
You may not follow your regular exercise routine during the holidays, but there are plenty of other ways to be active. For example a nice winter walk or bike ride. Staying active helps to digest your food, encouraging proper function of your intestines. It will also helps to de-stress and improve blood sugar levels.
7. Mindset
This time of year is meant to be enjoyed, but too many of us lose sight of that. Enjoying delicious holiday dishes is okay. So above all, let go of that guilt and try to enjoy it. Everything is in your own hands. You don’t have to eat 20 Christmas cookies, but 2 won’t make you gain weight in a day. Just remember to not let your whole routine go if you have eaten something unhealthy, just pick up your normal routine again after. And most of all enjoy these lovely days!
Get in touch
Do you have a question or do you want more information?
Feel free to contact me.
Email Address
info@oneyouwellness.com
Location
Willemstad, Curacao
