Did you know that the average North American gains 7 to 10 pounds during the holidays? Fear not – you can feast festively without piling on the pounds!
Click here to join The Nutritional Reset community and I will email you Healthy Holiday Eating, a selection of holiday recipes which show that you can eat meals that are both healthy and delicious – not only at the holidays but all year round!
And read on for a few healthy eating strategies to make this holiday season your sveltest yet…
- Rather than “saving your calorie budget” for the party (which guarantees you will arrive in starvation mode and scarf back everything in sight), eat properly spaced, healthy meals that have both protein and healthful fat in them to keep your blood sugar regulated and your hunger pangs in check.
- Make a plan, using the tips below, and “rehearse” ahead of time by visualizing how you will stick to it. For example, picture yourself at the dessert table selecting small portions of one or two of your favourite holiday treats and passing on the rest.
- Fill at least half your plate with vegetables and eat them first! The more colours the better.
- Eat only what you love! If you can’t give an emphatic “Oh ya!” when asking yourself “Am I enjoying this?”, then stop eating it.
- Offer to bring a dish so that there is at least one healthy choice on the table.
- Take your time eating and savour every bite. Be sure to wait 10 minutes after your first helping before heading back for seconds…it takes at least that long for your brain to register that you are full.
- Enjoy a dessert but not every dessert! Split one or two with family or friends so you get a sampling of a few holiday favourites and pass on sugary treats that are available at any time of the year.
- Remember the olden but golden rule…have a glass of water in between every alcoholic beverage. Alcohol stimulates appetite and diminishes your control over what you eat. Not to mention your head, as well as your liver, will thank you!
- Be smart about your alcoholic choices…use sparkling water (rather than pop) as a mixer, for example, and avoid sugar bombs like eggnog and mulled wine.
- Take a 15 to 20-minute stroll after eating…it aids in digestion and helps your body manage blood sugar.
- Don’t be too hard on yourself if you go overboard…just get back to healthy eating and lifestyle habits as soon as you can.
Want some healthy recipes on hand for hosting your next holiday party?
Click here to join The Nutritional Reset community and I will email you Healthy Holiday Eating, a selection of holiday recipes which show that you can eat meals that are both healthy and delicious – and not only at the holidays but all year round! Any of your favourite recipes can be adapted to make them more nutritious. Learn more or call me to find out how The Nutritional Reset can restore your energy and enthusiasm for life!