Eating Healthy for the Holidays
The holiday season is all about family and of course, great food. It is a time to celebrate and take part in the festivities of the season. It is also the time we usually gain that dreaded few inches around the waist, and when counting calories goes out the window. With all of the holiday work parties, family dinners, and social gatherings you have planned, it’s easy to get carried away with your eating habits.
Here are a few tips to help you eat healthy and still enjoy the holiday season:
1. Indulge moderately- Opt for sampling rather than serving one big piece. Be conscious of what you are eating, especially if you have known food sensitivities/intolerances.
2. Portion control- Whether you are a guest at a holiday dinner, or hosting your own party, choose/have smaller serving plates available to ensure smaller portion sizes. This way, you are in control and conscious of the amount of food that you are putting on your plate, and are less likely to over-indulge and more likely to pass on that second-helping.
3. Take breaks- If you’re conscious of high-caloric alcoholic drinks, have a glass of water in between each drink. This not only reduces the amount of calories you are consuming, but also fills you up, making you less likely to overindulge in food.
4. Look for healthier options- If you’re at a coffee shop buying your favourite holiday drink, ask for healthier options such as low-fat/almond/rice/soy milk, half-sweetened, or no whipped cream.
5. Drink tea! Green tea is not only an excellent anti-oxidant, but great for burning fat and weight loss as well. Have a cup of green tea before and/or after a heavy meal to help digest the food better.
The holidays are not about taking a hiatus from healthy eating. You can still enjoy the food, while making healthier choices. So be conscious of your eating habits, follow these simple tips and enjoy this holiday season with your loved ones!
Best of Health,
Gayamali Karunaratna, B.SC. (Hons.), M.Ed. ND Candidate, Doula