How many of you have a hard time eating healthy during the holidays? I Do!
Sitting down for holiday meals with my Italian side of the family, I know if you are like me and not shoveling down all the food insight …then something must be WRONG! “Brookie, are you sick?” you can hear my Nana asking me if I have not overeaten for just one meal. Our families show us love with food during the holidays. It is really hard to say no to ones you love and turn down seconds, thirds, etc., but the truth is they are your family and if you tell them that you are trying to watch your weight, eat in moderation, or are full they will understand. Your health is important to them too!
There are so many great things you can do this winter to eat healthier during the holidays. First, determine what your biggest challenges may be this holiday season. Then, make a battle plan of how you can limit and/or reduce those barriers and follow through with your healthier eating plan. For example, if you know that you tend to overeat at parties eat a healthy snack before you go, so you are not starving and can focus more on your loved ones than on the buffet table in the corner. If you are having a hard time determining portions at parties use your hand as a measuring tool! Your fist is about the same size as one cup of fruit or vegetables. The tip of your thumb to the base of your thumb is the size of one ounce of meat or cheese. The palm or your hand minus the fingers equals three ounces of red meat, fish, or poultry. Your cupped hand equals one to two ounces of nuts or pretzels. With your hand attached to your arm you will never have to worry about what portion sizes look like again! You already have one great tool by your side, but here are a few more tips for eating healthy during the holidays:
- Don’t go to a holiday party hungry.
- Bring your own healthy dish to a holiday party.
- Watch your portion sizes.
- Drink plenty of water.
- If you really want seconds try waiting 20 minutes before going back to the buffet table.
- Limit your alcohol intake to avoid excess calories and dehydration.
- Eat until you are satisfied, not stuffed.
- Plan time to exercise.
- Choose foods at holiday parties that are lower in fat, cholesterol and sodium.
- Choose just one of your holiday favorites at a party to enjoy in moderation and forgo on the sweets that are offered throughout the year.
I hope these healthy holiday tips helped and I would like to leave you with this idea: Everyone always says it is the holidays enjoy and eat whatever you want. I agree and do think you should ENJOY your holiday favorites, but there will always be holidays, birthdays, weddings, etc. and the key is to learn how to enjoy them in moderation!
Wishing you health and happiness this holiday season!
Photo courtesy of LucasM.Pinelli.
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Great blog name, Bitchin nutrition.
Thanks for the complement Jonny! I hope you stop by again soon