Here are five easy ways to stay on top of your healthy eating game during the holidays:
1. Don’t Skip Meals – It might sound like a good idea to “save” your appetite for the big meal, but skipping breakfast or lunch can leave you starving and more likely to overeat later. Instead, stick with balanced meals throughout the day to keep your hunger (and cravings) in check.
2. Fill Up on the Good Stuff First – Load your plate with veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains first. Once you’re comfortably full on the healthier options, you’ll be less tempted to overindulge in the richer, heavier dishes.
3. Pick Your Favorites – Instead of grabbing a little bit of everything, go for the dishes you love most. Savoring just a few holiday treats you really enjoy can keep you from feeling deprived while helping you avoid going overboard.
4. Stay Hydrated – It’s easy to confuse hunger with thirst, especially when there are tempting treats everywhere. Keep a water bottle handy and make it a point to stay hydrated, especially if you’re indulging in salty foods or alcohol.
5. Set a Sweets Budget – The dessert table is usually pretty hard to resist, so go in with a plan. Pick one or two sweets you’re really excited about and enjoy them mindfully. That way, you get to enjoy dessert without feeling like you’ve gone off the rails.
Happy, healthy holidays!
Looking for some "healthified" holiday meals? Check out some of these recipes for inspiration.
