Stay Mindful with Eating During the Holidays

The holiday season for most people usually goes a little something like this:  Eat a ton of food, sit around and catch up with family and friends, gain a few pounds, and then hammer down New Years resolutions and goals. Let’s take a healthier approach this year and avoid the bellyaches, bloating, slow weight gain, and urge to hit the new years resolutions on January 1!

Tip 1: Don’t participate in mindless eating.

Don’t consume food just because it’s there. If you’re watching a game or parade on TV, grab a few healthy snacks to keep in the kitchen instead of putting out a table full of hors d'oeuvres. Bring your own snacks to work or social parties and I bet your coworkers and friends will love the healthy treat!

Tip 2: Create Healthy Versions of your Favorite Dishes

With holidays come traditions and with traditions come recipes that have been in families for many years. You can have the same dishes, but try substituting a few of the ingredients for a healthier twist.  Green bean casserole with fresh green beans and fresh mushrooms instead of canned. Sweet potato casserole with raw cane sugar instead of condensed milk. Search for recipes with the words paleo, vegan, or keto and I’m sure you’ll find something you and the family will love.

Tip 3: Watch out for Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages carry a lot of calories and unnecessary sugars. Bring along some wine spritzers to your holiday parties, drink low sugar beverages, and stay hydrated with water.

Tip 4: Keep your Routine

If you are used to crossfit at 6AM, do it! If you are used to an evening run at 7PM, do it! Don’t let the holiday’s cramp your routines, especially your exercise. You may need to move around your exercise times, but keep them in your daily or weekly routines.

Tip 5: Choose your Specialty Dessert in Advance

Is there one desert you think of when someone says Thanksgiving or Christmas? Keep that one dessert in your mind and focus on it! Don’t indulge in a ton of sweets or baked goods before you get that one sweet dessert you are craving. Your mind and body will thank you after!

Don’t set unrealistic goals for yourself. Keep up with your good habits, rub off those good habits or healthy eating on some of your family or friends, and have fun! Eat, drink, and be merry, in moderation.