Making healthy choices through the holidays
For most people, holiday eating means “giving in” – abandoning sensible everyday choices while worrying about weight. And by the new year, it also leads to the inevitable fad diets and bound-to-be-broken resolutions.
Forget the bad holiday food cycle. Instead, think about maintaining a healthy balance before, during and after the holidays.
If you start the holiday season being comfortable with most of your everyday eating choices and have a good weekly routine of activity, then the holidays (and holiday parties) are far less likely to be stressful. In fact, you might even enjoy them more!
Great tips for making good food choices during the holidays:
- Alcohol contains a surprising number of empty calories. Wherever you can, cut back on the amount of wine, beer or liquor at get-togethers or dinners.
- We all work hard to manage our weight, but it can be a little more challenging at holiday time. A great trick to remember is to eat something healthy before hitting a holiday party (we'd like to suggest LEAN CUISINE Sélections Chicken à l'Orange). This way, when they're passing the appetizer tray or holiday treats, you'll feel more in control of your choices.
- Don't be tempted to skip a meal before that big holiday dinner; you'll just be more likely to load up on appetizers, sweets and other choices that aren't as good for you.
- Make time for staying active. Activity or exercise will help give you more energy, allow you to deal better with the inevitable holiday stress, and help you maintain your weight.
- Bring fat-free or low-fat dishes to potluck parties, and encourage others to do the same.
- Arrive at a dinner party just before mealtime so you avoid all those before-dinner snacks and drinks.
- Replace sweets with healthy holiday snacks such as fruit baskets and nuts in shells. They look just as festive and they’re healthier.
- If you're cooking, simplify the meal. Serve raw vegetables with a dip for an appetizer, a low-fat main course with one or two vegetables, and a fruit and low-fat cheese platter for dessert.
- Drink lots of water. It'll help you feel more full so you're less tempted to fill up on sweets and you'll generally fell better for staying hydrated.
Above all, relax. Be realistic and remember that the holidays are for celebrating, after all. One indulgent party, an extra glass of wine or enjoying a high-fat dessert isn't going to make or break your overall routine, as long as you're regularly making sensible food choices and staying active.
