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10 Healthy Eating Habits During the Holidays

10 Healthy Eating Habits During the Holidays

The holiday season is just around the corner. (Yes, already. It’s crazy!) Once October hits, it’s like a quadruple whammy between Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year. During fall and winter family get-togethers and holiday parties are non-stop. This is why people on the average gain at least some weight by the end of Christmas! 

Healthy Eating Habits During the Holidays

Y’all, I get it. It’s hard to eat healthy with all the busy schedules, festivities, and delicious food. But, you don’t have to blow your diet or weight loss goals this year. Just follow these tips to stay fit and focused during the holidays! Here are my top 10 healthy eating habits during the holidays:

10 Healthy Eating Habits During the Holidays

Have a good breakfast before the party. 

Sometimes knowing that you’re having a fantastic Thanksgiving lunch or Christmas dinner distracts you from eating a good breakfast. In fact, I’ve heard people say they fast before heading to the holiday meal, so they can indulge in as much turkey, potatoes, and pie as possible. 

Guys, this isn’t a great idea. Portion control will be out the window, and it’ll be hard to resist unhealthy, tempting foods. However, if you eat a nutritious breakfast, you won’t overeat when you arrive at your get-together. You can still have all your favorite treats . . . but in moderation. Plus, a healthy breakfast will give you more energy and put you in a better mood for your long day of socializing. 

Opt for proteins, vegetables, and fruits. 

When you go through the buffet line, spoon proteins, fruits, and vegetables onto your plate first. Try to fill your plate with these healthier options right away! And, let’s not act like these festive fruits and veggies disappoint your holiday appetite. Pomegranate salad? Garlic green beans? Yum! 

And the protein? A roast Christmas goose? Honey-glazed ham? Thanksgiving turkey? What about prime rib? Y’all, my mouth is watering. The point is, don’t feel like you’re missing out if you’re not indulging in all the starchy and sugary options. You’ve got plenty to satiate your holiday hunger! 

Choose carbs wisely.

Yes, eat as healthy as possilbe. However, there’s no reason not to treat yo’self a little. It’s the holidays! You should be celebrating the year and enjoying yourself. Don’t go overboard, but definitely select a few less healthy options and satisfy those cravings! 

Just don’t go in blind. Plan what carbs you’ll eat, so you don’t overdo it. If you want potatoes, maybe skip dessert. If you want pie, maybe pass on stuffing. Even consider doing some research on the nutritional value of common holiday dishes. Then, if you want, you can choose the healthier carbs over the ones that’ll make you feel bloated and tired after a few hours!

Control your portions.

As with most diet tips, controlling your portions is one of the easiest and best hacks to stay healthy and continue your weight loss journey. Don’t pile a ton on your plate. Don’t fill the serving spoon all the way. And, don’t let your eyes be bigger than your stomach! 

It looks delicious, but a little is just as tasty as a heaping mound. Just take it easy on your portion sizes, and you won’t be adding that extra pound or two this season!

Keep exercising. 

Yes, life is busy. Yes, it’s cold outside. But, whatever you do, don’t stop working out in the fall and winter! Not only will it help you keep off extra weight, but regular exercise is proven to improve your mood and strengthen your immune system. This is great for combating seasonal affective disorder and the seasonal flu. Y’all, don’t skip the gym!

Offer to cook.

If you’re worried about having a few healthy food options at your holiday gathering, consider offering to host or cook yourself. You can make sure there are yummy healthy options that fit your diet, while also providing the tasty holiday classics! 

This is an especially good idea if you have dietary restrictions. Save yourself the headache and save your family members some guilt by offering to cook food that fits your health needs! 

Thanksgiving tablescape

Eat slowly.

Eating slowly isn’t just so you can savor each bite of delectable holiday goodness, but it’s good for your health too! When you eat slowly, it’s easier for your body to realize it’s full. This is because it can take up to 20 minutes for your mind to register that you don’t need any more food. Eating slowly can also improve digestion and teeth health! So, once you sit down with your plate this year, take your time!

Don’t drink—well, maybe just one.

Alcohol is bad for you for several reasons, but y’all know I still indulge once in a while! You can grab an alcoholic drink or two while celebrating. It’s no big deal! However, take it easy. 

Alcohol increases your appetite, for one. It also has a lot of calories, diminishes your body’s weight-loss mechanisms, and makes it difficult for you to control what you eat. I don’t mean to be a fun-hater, but it’s definitely easier to eat healthy without alcohol! 

And, drink lots of water. 

Everyone knows they need to drink lots of water to stay healthy, yet many people don’t do it! So, here I am screaming it again: DRINK. YOUR. WATER. It naturally suppresses your appetite, distracts you from drinking liquid calories, and helps you burn fat. If someone asks if you want a “drink” . . . surprise them and ask for water!

Keep it stress-free.

Seeing friends and family members is a blessing, but it also can be hella stressful. Take breaks from the chaos, invest in me-time, and keep your season free of stress. Don’t over-commit. Don’t overspend. And, don’t overthink. We all know when stress comes in, the chocolate cake comes out, y’all. Take deep breaths and manage your physical AND mental health this winter. 

Commit to healthy eating habits this holiday season to promote weight loss, a positive mood, and a strong immune system!

Fall flower arrangement

The holidays will be here before we know it. So, it’s good to have a plan to continue our diets and healthy lifestyles as we descend into this difficult time of year. (Difficult as far as healthy eating goes!) Follow these tips, and you won’t find yourself with those extra pounds after New Years. Instead, you’ll reach all your wellness goals before the flowers bloom again! 

If you want more health tips or need recipe ideas for a healthy lifestyle, check out my blog! I’ve got tons of content, and I can definitely answer any questions you have about dieting and exercising. 

Like everyone, I have a love-hate relationship with my healthy lifestyle, so I can definitely relate to your struggles. Tell me all about it and don’t forget to hang out with me every day on Instagram. Let’s endure the temptations of the holidays together this year!

Healthy Eating Habits During the Holidays

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