WANT EVEN MORE HEALTHY IDEAS FROM SHAPE YOUR FUTURE?
The holidays are full of things worth celebrating: family, friends, traditions and, of course, good food.
With busy schedules, holiday parties and big meals, it can be easy to get out of your usual eating routine.
The good news? You don’t have to skip your favorite holiday foods to make choices that help you feel your best. A few small changes can make a difference!
1. Start With Water
Before you dig into your meal, pour yourself a glass of water. Keep it nearby while you eat and refill it when needed. Choosing water with your meal instead of a sugary drink can help you cut back on added sugar while still having something refreshing to sip.
Another way to stay hydrated during the busy season is to keep a water bottle with you while you’re out and about! This can help you remember to drink more throughout the day.
2. Put Your Food on a Plate
Holiday foods are easy to grab as you pass through the kitchen. A cookie here. A handful of nuts there. Before you know it, you’ve been snacking all afternoon. Try putting the foods you want on a plate so you can sit down, enjoy them and pay attention to what you’re eating.
You can always go back for more if you’re still hungry or add protein and fiber to make a snack more filling. The goal is to enjoy your food, not to miss out on the things you love.
3. Fill Your Plate With Veggies First
Holiday meals often come with plenty of rolls, casseroles and desserts. Make room for vegetables, too! Add green beans, roasted vegetables, a salad, fruit or another favorite side to your plate first, so you know they have a spot.
You can also mix veggies into some of your favorite dishes. Add spinach to a dip, toss carrots or sweet potatoes into a casserole or serve a colorful salad alongside the main meal. Look for ways to enjoy veggies that fit your holiday traditions and the foods you love.
When it’s time to eat, try starting with the vegetables on your plate first if you usually save them for last. Then enjoy the rest of your meal. Starting with vegetables is an easy way to make sure they get eaten!
4. Stick With Your Usual Meals
If you have a big holiday dinner planned, you might be tempted to skip breakfast or lunch to “save room.” Instead, try to stick with your usual meals when you can.
Eating regular meals can help maintain your energy and avoid getting overly hungry later in the day. You can still enjoy the holiday meal without feeling like you need to skip meals to make room for them.
If your schedule is packed, keep a simple snack on hand. Fruit, nuts, trail mix or another easy option can help tide you over when you’re between holiday errands and celebrations.
5. Slow Down and Enjoy Your Meal
There’s a lot going on during the holidays, but meals are a chance to slow down. Sit down when you can, take your time and enjoy the flavors and conversation. Give yourself a chance to notice when you’re satisfied instead of rushing through your plate.
6. Make Time To Move
Your routine might look a little different during the holidays, but there are still plenty of ways to move throughout your day. Movement can also be helpful if you feel stressed in the busy season.
Take a walk after dinner, play outside with the kids, turn on some music while you clean up or walk around the neighborhood to look at holiday lights. It doesn’t have to be a workout. A little activity can be a fun way to enjoy the season and spend time with the people you love.
Keep It Simple
Eating better during the holidays doesn’t have to be complicated. You can enjoy your favorite holiday foods and still make choices that help you feel your best. Try a few small changes that work for you, make room for the foods you love and enjoy time with the people around you.