Tips for Eating and Staying Healthy During Holidays and Vacations
Holidays should be filled with joy, gatherings, food and drink, and connecting with loved ones. It is easy to overdo both from a perspective of attending numerous events as well as overindulging. Especially in situations of blended families where there are a number of priority events, it can be hard to pace yourself.
In order to save yourself some extra poundage, there are some tips that can help you cope with the delicious offerings.
Meal Skipping before a holiday meal might do more harm than good. What can happen is that you are so famished that you can’t stop yourself from loading up your plate. Instead try a small snack on your way to the party, like a palm-sized serving of nuts, a piece of cheese, or a bit of fruit. This should tide you over.
Pick your splurges. Take a quick scan of the buffet table or the bowls and platters of food on the table at dinner. Limit yourself to one or two holiday favorites. Beyond that, fill your plate with healthy choices like protein, vegetables, and fruits. If you are attending a potluck, make your contribution something healthy and something you like. Then you can fill up on nutrition.
Focus on People. Engage others in conversation. After all, that is really what you are there for...the individuals you don’t see often or whom you are particularly fond of.
Hydrate. If you choose to have alcoholic beverages, alternate with a glass of water. This will keep your calorie count lower and keep you more sober.
Eat slowly. Savor each bite and enjoy the surroundings. After you have completed your first plateful, take 10 minutes. If you feel full and satisfied, be done. If not, go for a small second helping.
Keep up with exercise. There may be limited time to go to the gym during the holiday period but take advantage of some easy and fun options. Don’t choose the closest parking space. That will give you a few extra steps for your daily count. Say yes to dance no matter how good you are at dancing. Depending on the location of the party, take a walk around the block with a friend or two between the dinner and dessert.
Don’t feel guilty. If you have extra desserts, start fresh the next day. All the other times, cook healthy meals for yourself or your family. Keeping some normalcy in any home meals will help keep things on track.
Maintain good mental health. For many people, the holidays can be a source of sadness or gloom. Try to think outside yourself and do something, no matter how small or large, for someone else. Focusing on others can help boost your spirits even for a short while.
Stay safe. This means being cautious as you hang that wreath as well as asking for help carrying in presents. Snow, rain and ice can make walking difficult. Wash your hands often and avoid people with cold symptoms.
Above all, enjoy yourself.
