WANT EVEN MORE HEALTHY IDEAS FROM SHAPE YOUR FUTURE?
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe help to make the season bright, but you can make it even brighter by making easy, nutritious choices, too! We know… healthy eating during the holidays may seem like a challenge. Scroll down and learn how to eat healthy this holiday season with these 10 EASY tips and recipes.
1. Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables.
Before the line starts, check out the entire buffet to avoid overloading your plate. Choose your favorite foods and skip your least favorite. Be sure to fill half your plate with fruits and veggies to keep your plate balanced, too.
2. Eat until satisfied, not stuffed.
Portion control is essential for your health when it comes to holiday eating. So savor your favorite holiday treats while eating smaller portions. If you overeat at one meal, go light on the next. It will keep your recommended calorie intake in balance. Here’s a quick tip: Drink a big glass of water before a big meal to avoid overeating.
3. Eat a light lunch.
If you know you’re going to be eating heavy later in the evening or at a holiday party, try eating a lighter lunch. It will make you feel less full. Try a nutritious salad or a salad and sandwich combo. The options are limitless.
4. Be careful with beverages.
Alcohol can lessen inhibitions and encourage overeating. Many beverages are often full of calories and shocking amounts of sugar. So balance holiday beverages with plenty of healthy, refreshing water. It has zero calories and zero sugar. Plus, you can liven it up with these easy infused water recipes.
5. Make these No-Bake Breakfast Cookies.
Instead of baking sugary holiday cookies and pies, choose a healthier choice by making these delicious, nutritious Apple Pie Flautas or Low Fat Brownies. It can be your new holiday tradition.
6. Make some swaps.
You can reduce fat and calories in many recipes without sacrificing taste just by switching out a few ingredients. Try swapping mashed potatoes for mashed cauliflower. It makes for a yummy alternative and has way less fat and calories. Just steam, mash and add in some spices!
7. Snack to satisfy.
Before leaving for a party, eat a light snack like some Chili Popcorn (that has no added sugar like other holiday caramel popcorn) or some crispy carrot or celery sticks or a piece of fruit to curb your appetite. You will be less tempted to over-indulge later.
8. Cocoa Dusted Almonds.
After you deck your halls, deck your kitchen with a bowl of these delicious Cocoa Dusted Almonds. 4 ingredients. 10 minutes. 1 delicious holiday dessert. Get the recipe today.
9. Drink this Apple Cinnamon Infused Water.
Add some apples and cinnamon to your water to give it some extra zing. It’s real water, real fruit… and really easy to make. Get the recipe here.
10. Plan time for exercise.
Physical activity can help relieve holiday stress and keep off the extra pounds. Combine family time with physical activity and you’ll get the best of both worlds. Take a few extra laps around the mall while holiday shopping or at the grocery store. Or take an evening walk with the family and look at holiday lights around the neighborhood. Just be sure to get 30 minutes of physical activity every day (and 60 minutes for kids).
For dozens more healthy holiday tips and recipes, jingle all the way over to ShapeYourFutureOK.com!