The holidays are a time of joy and festivities but can also be a time of excessive or unhealthy eating. But in an attempt to avoid overeating, some people may go overboard and try to diet during the holidays.
What usually happens next is they become something of a grinch with food and fun during these festivities and barely enjoy themselves.
Finding the balance between healthy eating and enjoying the holiday season can be difficult and make you feel guilty about your food choices. However, with these easy tips, you can enjoy healthy holiday eating without becoming a grumpy grinch.
Portion Control
Portion control is one of the easiest ways to eat healthily during the holiday. Since your holiday table will probably be filled with tempting dishes, it's easy to get caught up in the moment and overeat. But by being mindful of your portions, you can avoid this.
Instead of filling your plate with large portions of unhealthy food, choose smaller amounts of healthy food to satisfy your hunger. When serving your plate of food, Healthline recommends filling it halfway with vegetables, a quarter of high-quality protein, and a quarter of complex carbs. By doing this, you get all the nutrients you need without overindulging.
Additionally, take your time while eating and savor each bite. This will help you avoid overeating and help you feel sufficiently full after a meal.
Bring a Healthy Dish with You
If you're worried about unhealthy holiday eating at a party or gathering, one of the best things you can do is bring a healthy dish to the event. Better still, bring one that does not taste like diet food, like a whole roasted chicken or keto meatloaf. That way, everyone can enjoy these healthy dishes with you.
To make things easy for you, choose a dish that can be made ahead of time and does not require any last-minute prep work. Also, don't hesitate to ask for help. If you're unsure how to make a particular dish, ask a friend or family member for their recipe or help in the kitchen.
But it really doesn't have to be complicated at all. Something as simple and delicious as a chicken salad will suffice and impress your hosts. Or make a quick and easy oven-baked salmon that will wow family and friends at your holiday table.
Drink Water Between Servings
When you're filling your plate with all of the holiday goodies, be sure to drink water in between servings. It will help you feel fuller and prevent you from overeating, so you won't be as likely to indulge in unhealthy foods.
Staying hydrated is essential to healthy holiday eating. With the hustle and bustle that comes with the holidays, it's easy to forget to drink enough water and become dehydrated. So, drinking water between servings is also an excellent way to keep your energy levels up.
Load Your Plate with Veggies and Other Healthy Options
When filling your plate with a holiday meal, load up on healthy options first. That way, you'll be less likely to overeat on the less healthy dishes. You can also try limiting your sugary drinks and processed foods intake. For example, choose healthier options such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins instead of reaching for cookies and cakes.
If you do indulge in treats, try to keep it to a minimum. Instead, focus on enjoying the flavors and textures of the food rather than eating mindlessly. There are plenty of delicious and nutritious veggies to choose from, like roasted broccoli, asparagus, or brussels sprouts. So go ahead and fill your plate with all the delightful veggies your heart desires!
Limit Your Alcohol Intake
It's no secret that alcohol can add empty calories to your diet, and it's easy to overindulge in them during the holidays. But if you're watching your weight but also craving alcohol, there are some ways to keep your alcohol intake in check.
The easiest thing to do is alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Take as many non-alcoholic beverages as possible and save the alcohol for last. This will help you pace yourself and avoid drinking too much too quickly. Also, choose lower-calorie options like wine or light beer because calories add up quite quickly when you're drinking them.
Don't Rush Your Meals; Eat Slowly
Eating slowly during the holidays can be challenging, especially when there's so much delicious food in front of you. But one of the worst things you can do when trying to enjoy healthy holiday eating is to wolf down your food.
Instead of gobbling up your meal, why not take the time to savor every bite, chat with your family and friends, and really enjoy the experience? Not only will this help you eat less, but it will also prevent indigestion later on.
Slow down, take small bites, and chew each bite thoroughly. You'll find that slowing down can help you avoid overeating and make the experience even more enjoyable. Plus, you'll be able to enjoy the food without feeling like you've overindulged.
If You Overeat, Get Back on Track Quickly
It's okay if you overindulged during the holidays; we all do it occasionally. The important thing is that you get back on track quickly afterward. This doesn't mean you have to go to the extreme; just start by making healthier choices and adding more walks into your routine.
Even small changes can make a big difference when it comes to your health. An excellent way to start is to make sure you're eating plenty of nutrient-rich foods and sticking to regular mealtimes when you can. Making healthy decisions now can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and exhausted later.
Eating healthy during the holidays can be achieved, and by following a few simple tips, you can enjoy your favorite holiday foods without going overboard. Don't be too hard on yourself if you indulge in treats or overeat at a meal. Instead, focus on savoring each bite and enjoying the company of your loved ones. The holidays are a time for celebration and joy, so don't let guilt ruin your experience.
This was produced and syndicated by Low Carb Africa.
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