Tips for Healthy Living over the Holidays
It's official! The holiday party season is upon us. Family calendars are filling up with lunch dates, open houses, potlucks and holiday parties to deck the halls and celebrate. The holidays can be a busy and stressful time of year, so here are a few tips to keep you feeling fit and fabulous over the festive season!
Get Moving. Not only will staying active help you burn off those extra calories consumed at parties, it will also help you feel less stressed about the holidays. If you don’t have time for your regular workout, try a shorter version.
Eat. Having a snack before you leave for a party will help you resist the temptation to over indulge. Try fruit, soup or veggies with hummus to curb those hunger pains before you arrive.
Choose your Course. If you crave something sweet at the end of a meal, then try not to overload your plate with appetizers or your main meal. Save room!
Satisfied. Not stuffed. The only thing at the table that should be stuffed is the turkey! Moderation is the key...
Beware of Holiday Cheer. Alcohol is laden with sugar. If you’re trying to watch your calories, pay close attention to those sneaky ones in your drinks. One glass of wine can pack up to 130 calories! Add a glass of water or two of water between drinks to help reduce sugar.
Non-alcoholic Drinks can also Pack a Punch. A specialty coffee can have up to 300 calories. Think twice before loading up on these sweet treats. Or ask to hold the whipped cream.
Refocus. Instead of concentrating on baking holiday treats with the kids, take the opportunity to make crafts, wreaths and holiday decorations. You can also get out the board games to keep you entertained!
Bring it. If you're asked to contribute to a pot-luck dinner, try to make it healthy and tasty.
Portion Control. Choose a smaller plate and resist the urge to pile it up. Take the time to enjoy the flavours of the season. Stop and chew - it will make you feel satisfied and full more quickly.
Relax! Enjoy and have fun! Holidays can be super stressful. Don’t beat yourself up if you aren’t able to have well balanced meals all of the time. Try to be aware of your holiday eating habits and tweak them a bit each time you’re at a party. And finally, remember that holidays are about spending time with the people you love.
Happy Holidays from my family to yours!