Simple Tips for Enjoying the Holidays without the Weight Gain

The holiday season used to give me so much anxiety around all of the food that is involved.  I would pretty much decide that from October 31st - January 8th (my birthday) that I was going to “enjoy” myself and plan to get back to being ‘healthy” again come January.  

Well January would often turn into February, then March, and so on and so on…

When I finally realized that it didn’t have to be such a drastic change for months at at a time and that holidays are literally just that, one or maybe 2 days at a time, where foods that I don’t eat often would be accessible is when I finally started actually enjoying the food and not feeling guilty.  Not only did I lose the guilt but I also stopped gaining weight over the holidays only to have to lose it again come the new year.  

It’s such a common misconception that indulging in festive treats is inevitable during this time. But the truth is, you can savor the season without sacrificing your health goals.

The key to a healthy holiday season lies in balance, not restriction!

Here are some practical tips to help you navigate the festivities:

1. Mindful Moderation: Enjoy your favorite holiday treats in moderation. A small piece of pie or a handful of cookies can be part of a balanced diet.
2. Healthy Habits, Holiday Style: Keep up your regular exercise routine, prioritize sleep, and manage stress. These habits will help you stay energized and make healthier choices.
3. Non-Food Traditions: Shift your focus to activities like board games, holiday crafts, or spending quality time with loved ones. These experiences can be just as fulfilling as food.

Smart Eating Strategies

1. Eat Regularly: Skipping meals can lead to overeating later so no saving up your calories from breakfast and lunch just to over indulge later!
2. Hydrate: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and curb appetite.  Using a reusable water bottle with a straw like this one will help encourage you to drink more water! 
3. Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes, especially when it comes to high-calorie foods.
4. Healthy Choices: Opt for healthier options like roasted vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
5. Slow Down: Eat slowly, chew thoroughly, and savor each bite.

Additional Tips for a Healthy Holiday Season

1. Mindful Eating Strategies:
• Use smaller plates to control portion sizes.
• Pay attention to hunger and fullness cues.
• Keep healthy snacks on hand. These are one of my favs to grab and go!

       2.  Healthy Holiday Recipes:

 
1. • Lighten up traditional dishes with healthier ingredients and cooking methods.
   1. Roasting or baking instead of frying
   2. Using Greek yogurt in dishes such as mashed potatoes as opposed to sour cream or butter.
   3. Use fresh green beans and low sodium mushroom soup in the green bean casserole
   4. Use whole wheat bread in stuffing.
   • Experiment with healthier dessert options.
   • Try a fresh fruit salad, fruit skewers, or a fruit tart
   • Swap out oils in recipes for equal part unsweetened apple sauce 

       3.  Stress Management:

1. • Practice mindfulness techniques like meditation or deep breathing.
   • Prioritize sleep aiming for at least 7-9 hours 
   • Create a realistic holiday schedule.  With all the kid activities that come along with this time of year I know this one is hard but if it's not a priority and isn’t something that aligns with your goals it’s ok to say no to doing it!

       4.  Staying Active:

1. • Incorporate festive workouts into your routine.
   • Plan active family activities - sign up for a local 5K, go sledding, take a family walk to look at Christmas lights, go ice skating or skiing, etc.
   • Use household chores as a form of exercise.

   Remember, the goal is to enjoy the holiday season without compromising your health. By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can savor the festivities and feel good about your choices. Happy Holidays!