Healthy Eating During the Holiday Season

The holiday season always makes it hard to stay on track with health goals.  During the holiday season, we tend to overindulge and intake unwanted extra calories from all the holiday fare. Try to stay committed to your exercise routine during this time as it will help you to maintain a healthy weight by burning off those extra calories as well as raise your energy level. On average, it was found that most individuals generally only gain 1 pound around the holidays, hard to believe, but after many years the pounds do add up. Be mindful during this time.  Below are 10 nutrition tips to help you through the holiday season. 

10 nutrition health tips for the holiday season

1. Eat fiber-rich foods first so you’ll feel full and won’t overeat with the not-so-healthy food choices.
2. Keep moving – make sure to continue your exercise routine. Burning calories can help to keep the weight off from the extra calorie-rich holiday cuisine. 
3. Take your time while eating meals. This will allow you to be more self-aware and may help you to consume less while satisfying your hunger.  When you have the feeling of fullness stop eating.
4. Try to fill your plate with more of the healthy foods. Try to eat more protein and vegetables rather than refined starches.   
5. Try to avoid a second helping especially of the not-so-good-for-you foods.  
6. If you’re hosting, make sure to provide a lot of vegetables, reduce the fat in recipes with smart swaps like using an egg substitute instead of a whole egg in your baked goods, or using plain nonfat yogurt instead of sour cream.
7. If you’re hosting, send the leftovers home with family and friends.
8. If you're bringing a dish to a holiday party, offer to bring a healthier option.
9. Limit your intake of caloric beverages like regular pop, juice, and alcohol. These beverages are full of empty calories and provide no nutritional value. 
10. DO NOT plan to start your “diet” after the New Year. Knowing that you will begin your diet after the holidays can set you up to binge eat.  Restrictive diets don’t work – they slow down your metabolism and increase your loss of lean body mass (muscle) rather than fat mass.  

Many holiday traditions and celebrations involve food. While it may not be realistic to say you’ll stay away from the unhealthy foods, you can instead, try to be mindful and eat in moderation. Enjoy!

Happy Holidays from Great Lakes Gelatin Company.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical conditions. Nor is it intended to replace the advice or diagnosis of a medical professional. Individual results may vary.