How To Eat Healthy During The Holidays

The Holidays are traditionally a time to eat, drink, and be merry. But you can still enjoy a traditional holiday season while managing your waistline! Read below for some ways you can keep weight management in mind during the holiday season.

Have realistic goals

Aim to maintain your weight. It's not a good idea to try and lose weight during the holiday season.

Recognize and limit foods and beverages that are high in calories and fat

For example, a flavored latte can pack up to 750 calories with sweeteners, whole milk, and whipped cream. Instead, opt for an unflavored latte with fat-free milk for a much lower 120 calories.

Include exercise in your daily routine

Every bit of activity helps burn extra calories! Park at the far end of the mall parking lot or take the stairs whenever possible. Use a pedometer (or pedometer app on your phone) to monitor your steps. A good goal is 10,000 steps per day. Seeing the increasing numbers can be a great motivator and you can even start a step challenge with your family! Remember to consult your physician before starting a new exercise routine.

Remember the plate method

If you're serving family style, fill half of your plate with vegetables, a quarter of your plate with protein, and a quarter of your plate with carbohydrates.

Allow yourself a small portion of "treats"

Totally depriving ourselves can lead to overeating in the future. Instead, use a smaller plate and avoid going back for second portions.

Stay on course

Have a low calorie snack before going to the party to reduce the temptation of overeating. Party dishes tend to be high in calories and fat. Eating something like veggies and hummus before a party can help reduce overindulging.

When cooking for the holidays, choose recipes that offer healthier ingredients

For healthy recipes, check out the Nashville Nutrition & Wellness Blog and these other great websites:

• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Recipes

• American Heart Association Recipes

• American Diabetes Association Recipes

• Eating Well (formerly Cooking Light)

• National Kidney Foundation Recipes

Don't be too hard on yourself

If you steer off course, don't throw in the towel. Tomorrow is a good day to renew healthy habits.