Healthy Eating This Holiday Season
The holidays are here, and many of our celebrations and festivities involve rich foods and treats. No one wants to miss out on their favorite traditional meals and snacks! However, indulging too much can have negative consequences for your health and overall well-being.
The good news is that you don’t have to avoid delicious dishes to look after your health. You can make healthy choices while also enjoying holiday goodies in moderation. Here are some tips to help you balance your favorite foods and healthy diet.
- Don’t skip meals.
While being conscious of what you are eating is important, don’t skip meals to balance the increased caloric intake from your special dinner or holiday party. Skipping meals makes you more likely to increase your food intake rather than limit it. If you pass on breakfast, for example, and decide to eat in the early afternoon when the holiday meal is ready, you might be so hungry that you consume much more food than you would typically eat.
- Build your meal plan around the holidays.
You shouldn’t skip meals, but you should still put effort into eating well. If you know you’ll be eating heavy, rich food, compensate by avoiding extra treats in the rest of your meals. Build your meal plan with the goal of eating low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods when you can to maintain a balanced diet.
- Stick with small plates.
Another way to limit what you eat while still enjoying holiday fare is to opt for a small plate rather than a large one. Pick the foods you really want, put reasonable portions on your plate, and move away from the rest. Smaller plates make it easier to practice portion control and prevent piling on too much because the available space is limited.
- Savor your food.
The whole point of planning your diet around the holidays is to allow you to enjoy the meals you love. Sit down with your food and enjoy each bite. Don’t eat as though there is a time limit! You’ve worked hard to make room in your meal plan for these treats, so make sure you savor them. When you rush through a meal, you might eat quite a bit before you actually feel full. Eating slowly helps you better gauge your appetite and avoid overeating.
Are you ready to eat well this holiday season? Your health matters, and it is crucial that you maintain a healthy diet throughout the year.
Community Access Network is committed to our patients’ quality of life. For expert advice about your diet and how it impacts your health, visit our website here or make an appointment with one of our community health workers at 434-818-7880.