Top 10 Healthy Holiday Habits

Let’s be honest. We all love holiday food and we have healthy holiday habits! There is just something about traditional food passed down through generations that hit a different way. No matter what you call it… soul food, comfort food, Grandma’s cooking… It’s all the same! Often, we go with one extreme or the other. Either we tell ourselves we can’t have it or we say to hell with it, and over-indulge.

Sound familiar? Here are the Top 10 tips that can help you balance your healthy eating goals while enjoying the foods that you love during the holidays.

Top 10 Healthy Holiday Habits

Maintaining healthy habits during the holidays can be a challenge, but it's important for your overall well-being. Here are the top 10 healthy holiday habits to consider:

Holiday Meal Starving

Don’t go into a holiday meal starving. This is more likely to increase the pace of eating and cause you to overeat before you even realize that you are full. Eat a normal breakfast the morning of your holiday gathering and snacks as needed. Our Clean Eatz meals and Clean Eatz Barz are great choices to maintain some healthy holiday habits.

Foods Fit in Moderation

Give yourself some grace and understand the fact that all foods can fit in moderation. The American Academy of Family Physicians agrees, that there is no “bad” food. There are just larger than necessary food portions. Understand the difference. Allow yourself small portions of all the foods you love in moderation. One day of extra intake will not make all hell break loose! Just don’t let it become a new daily habit.

Smaller Plates

Opting for smaller plates when they're available can be a clever strategy during holiday gatherings. It helps you manage portion sizes effectively, even when the instinct might be to heap food onto a larger plate. By consciously choosing a smaller plate, you encourage yourself to pace your eating, making it easier to enjoy the variety of dishes without overindulging. This mindful approach to portion control can contribute to a healthier and more balanced holiday dining experience.

Hydrated With Water

Stay hydrated with water! I am not telling you to skip the fun holiday drinks. That would make me a hypocrite! But remember to include water throughout the day. This will increase satiety or the feeling of fullness alongside normal food portions.

Natural Stopping Points

Establish accountability to natural stopping points. You can do this by popping a piece of gum or a mint into your mouth or brushing your teeth. This reminds you to take a break and wait for round two. It can be difficult to recognize fullness cues, even for children, so learning to establish a stopping point is essential.

Ended Meal

When the meal ends, volunteer to help put food away and clean the kitchen. Not only will this maintain the quality and safety of the foods served, but it will also reduce the chance of grazing when you are already full. Out of sight, out of mind.

Side Dish

When you find yourself invited as a guest to a family or friend's gathering during the holiday season, one thoughtful and health-conscious gesture is to offer to contribute a side dish to the feast. By taking on this role, you not only showcase your appreciation for the invitation but also get the opportunity to make a positive culinary contribution. Opting for a side dish that is both delicious and health-conscious can be a win-win situation. For example, a fresh fruit salad with yogurt dip. This choice not only adds a burst of natural sweetness and a refreshing contrast to the meal but also provides a nutritious and vitamin-rich option for everyone to enjoy. Additionally, it reflects your commitment to promoting healthy choices during the holiday season, setting a positive example for those around you. In doing so, you not only share in the joy of the festivities but also play a role in encouraging a healthier holiday dining experience for all.

Balanced Food

Maintaining a balanced diet during the holidays is crucial. When serving yourself, remember to include fruits, veggies, protein, dairy, and grains on your plate. This variety ensures you enjoy the festivities while providing essential nutrients. Colorful fruits and veggies offer vitamins and fiber, protein keeps you full, and dairy provides calcium. Opt for whole grains like brown rice for sustained energy. A balanced plate lets you savor holiday flavors while taking care of your health, creating a satisfying and wholesome dining experience.

Second Portion

Consider politely requesting a second helping to take home if you have a Grandma or Mom who's enthusiastic about piling your plate with extra servings during holiday gatherings. Sometimes, their love and care manifest in heaps of delicious food. Rather than overeating or declining their culinary generosity, simply ask if you can pack some of those delectable holiday treats to enjoy later. This approach allows you to savor their cooking without feeling obliged to overindulge and keeps the holiday spirit alive even after the festivities.

Physical Activity

Don’t forget to include physical activity in your days. Though traditional exercise regimens may be disrupted by traveling, gym closings, or busy schedules, it is easy to include non-traditional exercise! Go for a family walk, pick up a basketball, or play games with the kiddos. In addition to exercise, there are so many other ways to focus on stress management without using food!

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, adopting these "Top 10 Healthy Holiday Habits" can significantly enhance our overall well-being during the festive season. As we celebrate with family and friends, it's essential to prioritize our health and happiness. By maintaining a balanced diet, staying active, managing stress, getting enough sleep, and practicing gratitude, we can truly savor the joy of the holidays while also taking care of ourselves. These habits offer a roadmap to not only survive but thrive during the holiday season, allowing us to enter the new year feeling refreshed and ready to embrace new challenges. So, let's make these habits a part of our holiday traditions and create a season filled with health, happiness, and cherished memories.

FAQ

Why are healthy holiday habits important?

Healthy holiday habits are important to maintain our physical and mental well-being during a season that often involves indulgent foods, stress, and disrupted routines. These habits help us enjoy the holidays while taking care of our health.

How can I stay active during the holidays when I'm busy with gatherings and festivities?

Incorporate physical activity into your holiday plans. Consider group activities like walks or hikes, dancing at parties, or even home workouts. Every bit of movement counts.

Can I enjoy holiday treats and still maintain a healthy diet?

Absolutely! It's okay to indulge occasionally. Just be mindful of portion sizes and balance indulgent treats with nutritious foods.

What are some healthy holiday drink options besides alcohol and sugary beverages?

Opt for water, herbal teas, or infused water with fruits and herbs for a refreshing, low-calorie choice.