The holidays are here! And that means gatherings with family, friends and food.
All those yummy foods and drinks can bring unwanted weight gain, but there are things you can do to help prevent or minimize it. It’s about your preferences, your needs and your goals. And when you’re looking for the freshest ideas and tips, we’ve got you covered on how to make better choices during the holidays. Start with these 6 sensible goals:
- Enjoy in moderation! There’s nothing wrong with enjoying your favorite holiday foods and treats in moderation. Balance is key! Try not to overindulge in one food; take small tastes from the buffet instead.
- Bring a dish you feel good about sharing. Bring your favorite healthful appetizer or snack, such as fruit kabobs drizzled with aged balsamic vinegar, fresh vegetables with low-fat yogurt dip or cowboy caviar with whole wheat crackers. High-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables and legumes are filling and may help you eat less and stay satisfied longer.
- Eat before you leave. Before going to a holiday party, eat a small snack — like low-fat yogurt with berries or carrot sticks with hummus — to help curb your hunger.
- Control portions. A large plate can make it tempting to grab too much food from the serving table. An easy way to combat this is to choose a smaller plate.
- Practice mindful eating. Be mindful of your eating and how full you feel at holiday parties. It may take up to 20 minutes to feel full, so take your time and savor your food.
- Don’t overindulge in alcoholic beverages. If drinking alcoholic beverages is part of your holiday celebrations, remember that calories in these beverages can add up quickly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends avoiding alcohol or limiting daily consumption to 1 drink or less for women and 2 drinks or less for men. And be sure to drink plenty of water too.
During the holidays, there’s no reason your nutritional goals should go off track. Making simple and smart choices can help you stick to your goals. Focus your time at gatherings on socializing with family and friends and enjoying the festivities — while limiting the temptations at the bar and buffet.
