Heart-healthy lifestyle habits recommended by nutritionist Sarah Scherer
The holiday season can be the hardest time to eat healthy and maintain a healthy weight. The countless seasonal foods and treats pile on fats, sugars, and calories in every dish. But there are plenty of things you can do to make healthy eating decisions. So instead of giving in to every holiday craving, help yourself with these tips for healthy eating during the holidays.
Satisfy holiday cravings with healthier alternatives
With the season comes all your favorite holiday-flavored treats like peppermint, gingerbread, and pumpkin spice. But fulfilling those cravings can mean extra sugars and syrups. Instead, try looking for healthier recipes that satisfy your cravings without adding unnecessary sugar or fat to your diet. Check out our Fresh Flavors section for guilt-free holiday recipes like this one for a Snickerdoodle Shake.
Use smaller plates and skinnier glasses. When you use large plates, what looks like a normal portion can actually be pretty big, so using smaller plates can make it easier to manage portion sizes. Also, when it comes to beverages, we all like a full glass, so skinnier glasses can help you manage how much liquid you’re drinking.
Plan ahead for holiday meals. If you know that you’re going to a big dinner during the weekend, plan your week so that you can treat it as a cheat day. Opt for some healthier food options before the day of the party or add to your weekly fitness routine. So when the big day comes and your family wants you to try every single dish on the table, your health and your conscience won’t take a huge dent.
Eat before a party. Curbing your appetite before a holiday party can help you avoid the temptation of holiday treats. It doesn’t have to be much, but a green salad, fresh fruit, or lean protein option before the party will help you make sure you’re not arriving famished and ready to load up a plate.
Bring a healthy dish to the potluck. Everyone is going to be bringing fatty and sugary dishes, so why not be the person who breaks the trend? Try bringing a fruit salad, veggie platter, or healthy home-baked treats. Feel free to check out more of the recipes in our Fresh Flavors section if you need some inspiration!
Choose your treats wisely. You’re going to have plenty of opportunities to indulge during the holidays—and that’s okay! But if you do treat yourself, do it with something that’s worth the extra calories. At a party, have a small plate of foods that you like best and then (try to) move to healthier options. Also, try and limit alcohol to one glass per party.
Have a happy and healthy holiday season!
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