From Thanksgiving to New Year’s, there seems to be a constant theme of overindulgence; delicious food and bite-sized candy around every corner. It’s no secret that many people put on extra weight over the holidays and this is largely due to poor eating habits. Between the hustle and bustle of holiday after holiday and the possibly unhealthy food intake, it’s no wonder that we’ll all feel a bit pudgy come 2017. There are ways that you can enjoy a little bit of every holiday while maintaining a healthy weight and a balanced lifestyle! Here are some easy reminder steps to help you through the holidays and lead you to better overall holiday health!
Bring Your Own Healthy Dessert
When you are invited to dinners over the holidays, traditionally you bring something to each gathering. Seeing as dessert tends to be the course of the meal where the most sugar is consumed, make a sugar-free option at home and bring it to serve as a dessert option. There are many different cookies with sugar-free recipes, as well as different custards and even some fruit cake recipes with no added sugar! As long as you supply a dessert with a healthier twist, you know there will be an option for you at the table for something sweet.
Limit Yourself
Quite a bit of the contagious holiday spirit is based on food and drinks. However, fatty foods and alcoholic drinks can have adverse effects on your body if consumed on a regular basis. With so many holiday obligations back to back, it may be difficult to decline invitations in order to save your waistline. However, if you increase your water intake and decrease your alcohol intake, you will be doing yourself – and your health – a huge favour. Make a point to eat light foods and don’t eat more than your fill. It’s OK to eat “bad” food on occasion, just try to make 80% of what you consume healthy, which leave 20% for fun and against the rules!
Don’t Become a Snacker
Whether it be leftover Halloween candy or holiday baking, snacking is a real problem. With snacks and treats readily available at all times it can almost be impossible not to give into temptation. If you are prone to holiday baking, try to give most of it away. Your friends, family, and colleagues will love you for it and your health will too! But be sure to save a bite or two for yourself – everything in moderation!
The holidays are a time of celebration and socializing, and with that comes unhealthy eating habits. Put your mind on healthy this holiday season and do your best to stay out of a holiday sweets slump.
