Healthy Eating During the Holidays: 6 Tips to Stay on Track

The holiday season can be the most challenging time to maintain a healthy weight. Between seasonal gatherings and festive treats, it’s easy for fats, sugars, and extra calories to find their way into every dish. However, you don’t have to choose between enjoying the season and reaching your health goals. Instead of giving in to every craving, use these actionable tips for healthy eating during the holidays.

1. Satisfy Holiday Cravings with Healthier Alternatives

The season is famous for iconic flavors like peppermint, gingerbread, and pumpkin spice. Unfortunately, these often come with a heavy dose of refined sugars and syrups.

Guilt-Free Holiday Recipes

You can fulfill those cravings by choosing recipes that prioritize nutrition without sacrificing taste. Check out our Fresh Flavors section for holiday inspiration, such as our protein-packed Snickerdoodle Shake.

2. Use Small Plates and Slimmer Glassware

Visual cues play a huge role in how much we eat. When you use large dinner plates, a normal-sized portion can look small, leading to over-serving.

• Portion Control: Switching to smaller plates makes it easier to manage portion sizes naturally.
• Mindful Drinking: We all enjoy a full glass, but opting for skinnier glasses can help you manage your liquid intake and reduce liquid calories.

3. Plan Your Holiday Meal Schedule

Preparation is key to avoiding “holiday bloat.” If you have a major dinner party on the weekend, treat it as a planned “cheat day” and adjust your week accordingly.

• Balance the Week: Opt for lighter, nutrient-dense meals in the days leading up to the event.
• Increase Activity: Add an extra session to your weekly fitness routine to offset the indulgence. This way, when your family asks you to try every dish, your health and your conscience won’t take a hit.

4. Eat a Light Snack Before the Party

Arriving at a party famished is a recipe for overindulgence. Curbing your appetite beforehand helps you resist the temptation of high-calorie appetizers. You don’t need a full meal—try a green salad, a piece of fresh fruit, or a lean protein option. These choices ensure you arrive feeling satisfied and ready to make logical food choices.

5. Bring a Nutritious Dish to the Potluck

Holiday parties are often filled with sugary and fatty dishes. Break the trend by being the person who provides a healthy alternative. Great options include:

• Fresh fruit salads
• Colorful veggie platters
• Healthy home-baked treats

If you need inspiration, explore the recipes in our Fresh Flavors section to find a dish that will be a hit with the whole crowd.

6. Choose Your Treats Wisely

It is perfectly okay to indulge during the holidays! The trick is to make sure the indulgence is actually worth the extra calories.

Strategies for Mindful Indulgence

• The “Best-of” Plate: Start with a small plate of the foods you love most, then transition to healthier options.
• Limit Alcohol: Try to limit yourself to one glass of alcohol per party to avoid empty calories and lowered inhibitions regarding food.