Of course, with family gatherings comes food...and, it is so yummy and tempting. Some of my favorite foods are during the holidays...all the sweets...stuffing...etc...yikes! Below are some tips to help you stay with your healthy eating goals. I got these tips from a blog I love, and totally agreed with every one 110%, so just had to post and share!
1. Everything in moderation – Don’t deprive yourself of your favorite holiday treats. If you do, you’re likely to binge or be plain crabby. Have a mug of eggnog, eat your favorite cookie, but remember to practice portion control and try not to overdo it.
2. Keep it moving – You’re bound to be busier around the holidays but don’t let physical activity go by the wayside. Schedule family walks after a big meal, wake up early to do an exercise DVD, and incorporate more NEAT (Non-exercise activity thermogenesis aka activities of daily living). Need to go shopping instead of going to the gym? No problem- consider your shopping cardio! A few good tips: park far away from the stores, take the stairs instead of the escalator, wear comfy shoes so you can walk at a faster pace, and please skip the mall food.
3. Eat normally – Even if you have a big holiday meal planned in the evening it’s helpful to eat breakfast and lunch as you would on any normal day. Your meals can be a bit smaller than your everyday meals, but this way you won’t be ravenous when dinner comes around and you’ll likely make better choices. (I think this is especially important...so many people don't eat breakfast or lunch on Thanksgiving Day...this is bad, bad, BAD folks. If you eat breakfast and smaller lunch before your big meal, you won't pig out as much and be so ravenous)
4. Don’t let one bad day of eating get to you – Say you went overboard at a party and had way too many sugary sweet treats, bacon wrapped dates, and a candy cane martini. Don’t throw in the healthy eating towel. Put that incident behind you and try to pick healthier options at your next meal.
5. Bring healthy dishes and pack snacks – If you’re going to a pot-luck bring a healthy dish to share (like roasted root veggies, eggplant caponata, quick quinoa salad or Tasty Trail Mix Cookies ). At least you’ll know one thing on the menu is healthy. If all else fails, have some healthy snacks like carrot sticks, a nutrition bar or homemade trail mix with you. This is particularly a good idea if you have dietary restrictions.
6. Say no – Remember that you don’t always have to eat everything that’s offered to you. Just because grandma made her special corn pudding just for you doesn’t mean you HAVE to have seconds. Be polite, but assertive when you’re full or don’t really want to eat something.
7. Don’t focus on the food – Most holiday events are centered around food. Eat and enjoy yourself, but remember that it’s not all about the food. Step away from the table and enjoy all the other things the season has to offer – family, friendship, LOVE, reflection, decorating, relaxation, etc.
**What are you doing for Thanksgiving? This is our year to spend turkey day with mi familia. We are heading to my parents beach house in SC and are super excited. Oh, and this year we have a baby in the family (our nephew-James) so I know this will make it even more special and fun. :)
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