Let’s be honest, eating healthy over the holidays can be hard. The key word this holiday season is going to be balance. Food is not a reward nor is exercise a punishment for eating. Keep that in mind this holiday season. That being said, you can enjoy the holiday season with balance by sticking with your normal daily healthy habits surrounding nutrition and physical activity while still enjoying special holiday foods that may not be as healthy as your everyday meals.
Well Rested = Better Choices
The holidays can be a busy time with meal planning and holiday shopping. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep a night. When we are tired our body often craves sugary, high-fat foods. When you are well-rested you are more likely to make smarter choices. Have an activity tracker that tracks sleep? Sync it with your account to track all your health data in one spot!
Practice Mindful Eating
Practice mindful eating, not mindless. We only get those special holiday foods a few times a year, so enjoy. Savor every bite, the smells and the experience. To mindfully eat, slow down your chewing and use all your senses to be present with your meal. Be purposeful and thoughtful of your food choices and truly enjoy the foods you choose to consume.
Appropriate Portions and Planning
Holiday gatherings smaller this year? Adjust your menu and how much you make so you’re not left with a ton of leftovers, or guilting yourself into eating seconds and thirds. With so many yummy foods and temptations around, make a plan of what goodies you want to indulge in and skip those items you don’t enjoy as much. Aim to fill half of your plate with fruits and veggies. Fruits and vegetables are full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Those keep us healthy and full.
