Tips for Healthy Eating During the Holidays

Tips for Healthy Eating During the Holidays from Empire BlueCross BlueShield

Eating healthy can be difficult any time of year, but particularly over the holidays. People typically gain up to 10 pounds from October to January.[i] This extra weight can prove to be a burden for the rest of the year. But it doesn’t have to be that way. By making a plan in advance and sticking to it, you can avoid the pitfalls of holiday parties and maintain your health.

So before you find yourself at a holiday party trapped in a corner by your dear aunt and her famous fudge, consider the following strategies.

1. Drink a glass of water before and during meals. Drinking water can help you feel full and stay in control.

2. Similarly, have a healthy snack before parties, such as a salad, carrot sticks or an apple, to curb your appetite.

3. Place some space between yourself and the food. Don’t stand next to the buffet. Get your food and move to another room to eat.

4. Bring healthy options to parties with you, such as a vegetable platter with hummus dip, so you don’t get stuffed on stuffing.

5. Don’t eat too fast. Take 20 minutes to finish a meal, put your fork down in between bites. Once you feel full, stop. Put a napkin over or clear your plate and take a quick stroll around the party.

6. Have a “healthy buddy” at a party so you can share goals and encourage each other.

Finally, it’s important to remember that the holidays are about far more than a hearty meal. So, participate in activities that don’t revolve around food, such as music, dancing or crafting. And don’t forget to exercise. For instance, you might want to take stroll to enjoy the holiday lights.

By all means, enjoy the holidays, but not at the expense of your health.

[i] Roberts SB, Mayber J. Holiday weight gain: fact or fiction? Nutr Rev. 2000;58(12):378-379.