Every year around this time, many people convince themselves to think that calories don’t count. Reality is that when it comes to health every thing counts and convincing your mind to think otherwise doesn’t change that. Would you rather feel healthy going into the New Year or unhealthy from one too many indulgences? Being prepared with a plan on how to tackle holiday temptations will help you get through the season with no regrets!
The lovely folks over at JRINK Juicery in DC asked me to write about my top 10 healthy eating tips for the holiday season. Feel free to share your tips in the comments below!
Top 10 Healthy Eating Tips for the Holidays
1. Share Your Lifestyle
Let your friends and family know about what types of foods you can and cannot eat. Be open about why health is important to you. They can be your biggest supporters of a healthy lifestyle. Who knows, you may end up inspiring them to make changes too.
2. Move On
Holiday indulgences happen, just don’t give up on all of your hard work because you had a slight detour. Get back into your routine right away to avoid falling into that all or nothing mindset. Don’t let a splurge encourage you to abandon your healthy habits. Forgive yourself and move on!
3. Use Healthy Substitutions
Ditch refined sugars and high-fat ingredients with healthier substitutes. Use a simple date paste to infuse caramel or chocolate flavors into recipes. You can also use date paste to replace liquid sweeteners in your desserts. Bananas have a creamy consistency that can be used to replace butter or oil in baking.
4. Get Creative
If you’re the type of person that gives away baked goods during the holidays, but ends up taste-testing a few too many – try something new this year. Place ingredients for baked goods or raw desserts (3-Ingredient Mulberry Cookies) in decorated mason jars to give away as gifts. This gives the recipient the option to bake when they want and for you to keep temptation out of your house.
5. Drink Responsibly
Drinking lots of water will keep you hydrated and help you avoid overeating or confusing thirst with hunger. Alcohol can affect inhibitions and induce overeating. If you’re planning to have a few drinks, alternate between alcoholic beverages and water. Increasing your water intake will also help you avoid hangovers the next day.
6. Bring a Dish
The easiest way to know exactly what you’re eating is to prepare the food yourself. Make sure there’s a healthy option at the next gathering by volunteering to make a dish for the party. A fruit platter is a great option that requires little to no skills. Try including sliced apples and caramel sauce.
7. Skip Seconds
Overeating during the holidays is such an easy thing to do. Don’t make this mistake by limiting yourself to one plate at your next holiday party. Scan the entire selection before getting in line so you know exactly what your options are, this will help you filter out what you shouldn’t put on your plate.
8. Dress to Impress
Wear form-fitting clothes that compliment your body’s shape. You’re more likely to overeat when you’re in comfortable clothes, elastic waistbands are much more forgiving. Wearing a snug outfit will give you an accurate way of knowing how full you really are.
9. Pay Attention
Eat slowly, listen to your body and minimize distractions while you’re eating. If you’re having a conversation don’t eat at the same time, sip on water instead. It’s easy to lose track of what you’re putting in your mouth when you’re engaged in other things.
10. Be Consistent
It’s not just about healthy habits for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings; it’s about decisions on the other days in between that really count. Being mindful of the decisions you make on a daily basis during the holidays will ultimately determine your progress. Don’t let the holidays be an excuse to let go of your routines, stay consistent with healthy eating and exercise throughout the season.
What are some of your healthy holiday tips? Share your healthy holiday tips with me in the comments below!
Also does it not cost you huge amounts to eat all the fresh fruit and buy all the fancy ingredients that you do?
It can at times if I want to be lazy and go for convenience, but if I take my time to research the best places to buy produce in bulk or find good deals at the farmer’s market – it can be extremely affordable. A little bit of research and asking questions will go a long way :)
what are your best tips to curb cravings. I do a lot of exercise and am very close to reaching a flat stomach (my goal) but i cannot resist sweet food.
Make sure you are drinking plenty of water – that is always something that keeps me on track! Anytime you’re about to reach for an extra snack… chug some water :) Sometimes you’re not really hungry, just thirsty! Hope that helps! x
Yes, sharing your lifestyle is important. Most people will be absolutely supportive and thrilled of your newly practiced lifestyle change. As far as my tips go, I tell my clients to always plan ahead. Prioritizing their day to feed on Whole Food Raw Foods will make all the difference between successful dieting and poor dieting because we all have a diet; some are just better than others. Great share Manda. Keep blogging.