Cookies and candy and carbs – oh my! During the holiday season, it can feel almost impossible not to overdo it on sweet treats and pack on the extra pounds. But it doesn’t have to be! Here are five tips for eating healthier during the holidays.
Eat Before You Go
If you don’t want to be tempted at a party, eat before you head out. Not only will this help you limit what you eat at the party, but odds are that pre-party snack will be healthier than the options at the party.
Have a Food “Budget”
It’s OK to indulge in the tasty but not-quite-as-healthy food but do so judiciously. Be selective in what unhealthy options you choose, watch the portion size, and balance unhealthy foods with healthier options. For example, if you know you will be having a slice of pie after dinner, pile up the vegetables during the main course.
Pause Before Going Back for More
It can take a few minutes for your brain to register that you are full, so instead of getting up for another round right away, pause for 10-20 minutes to allow your brain to catch up with your stomach. You may find you don’t really need that second helping or it can be smaller than you originally thought.
Drink Smart
Drink plenty of water and try to avoid alcohol. Staying adequately hydrated helps with digestion, hunger, and fullness cues. Alcoholic beverages, along with holiday drinks like eggnog, not only can make you eat more, they also tend to be high in caloric content.
Make Healthy Ingredient Swaps
Even small modifications to a recipe can make a big difference. Look for easy ways to swap out ingredients to make dishes a little healthier. You can use olive oil in place of butter, applesauce can substitute for vegetable oil, or use skim milk or plain low-fat yogurt in place of cream and sour cream. For sides, consider serving baked potatoes, yams, and steamed vegetables instead of casseroles with the added ingredients that can make them higher in calories and fat content.