7 Healthy Diet Tips for the Holidays
Updated November 19, 2014.
I know that people don't want to think about healthy eating all the time during the holidays. In fact, it's a time of year that gets a little quiet for us nutritionists, but I've decided to give you 7 quick tips -- do one each day for a week. I'm hoping if you do just that one thing, and then the next thing the next day and so on, that you'll have a healthier holiday and your New Years resolutions won't be so daunting.
Holiday diet tip #1 is share your dessert. Basically, cutting your dessert in half cuts out half the fat, sugar and calories and hopefully minimizes the health damage it does.
Holiday diet tip #2 is to eat something at home before you go shopping. If you're hungry and you have a full day of shopping ahead of you, you might fall prey to the fast foods at the mall food court or on the ride back home. Take the time to eat a healthy meal or snack before you go. Or take something healthful, like some homemade protein bars, with you.
Holiday diet tip #3 is to drink more water. It helps you feel better after you've indulged into too many adult beverages that can leave you feeling dehydrated the next day. Water is important for normal functions, but you can mess up your fluid balance just a bit when you consume too much sodium or not enough potassium. So if you've eaten more ham and casseroles and fewer fruits and vegetables than usual, pour yourself a big glass of water.
Holiday diet tip #4 is to not skip meals.
I know it sounds like a good idea -- skip a meal so you can eat more later. But that's the problem. You will eat more later, and probably a lot more. You might think you're saving calories for later, but because you're hungry, and probably a little excited, you're going to go overboard. If you've got big plans for tonight, then be careful with what you eat today. Like I said, don't skip a meal, but make your meals low cal and nutritious. Eat more fresh fruit and green and colorful vegetables.
Holiday diet tip #5 is to bring your own dish to the party. This doesn't work for dining at a restaurant, but it's a good one for a holiday party at a friend's home. Offer to bring a side dish and bring one of your healthy favorites. This way you can load your plate with your healthy fare and introduce to your friends and family to a delicious dish that's good for them.
Holiday diet tip #6 is for the buffet. Rather than loading up on everything, just choose a few new foods -- preferably some things you've never tried before. It's fun and you wont waste calories on stuff you eat at every other holiday party.
Holiday diet tip #7 is to avoid sugary foods. Easier said than done if you're surrounded by cookies and cakes and other assorted goodies. But, try to cut back on the sugars today -- and the rest of the holiday season.
Sugar and Sugary Foods
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