Prioritizing Nutrition This Holiday Season
The holiday season is a time of celebration, joy, and indulgence, but it can also present challenges when it comes to maintaining healthy habits, particularly in terms of nutrition. With the holidays also comes a lot of festive desserts and family meals, which can make it easy to fall into the trap of overeating or neglecting healthier choices. However, with some mindful strategies, it is possible to enjoy the season without sacrificing your well-being! So, let’s get into some tips and tricks to prioritize nutrition while still enjoying the holiday season.
One of the most effective ways to stay on track with nutrition during the holidays is by planning meals and snacks ahead of time, which can help you choose healthier options when hunger strikes. For example, preparing nutritious snacks like greek yogurt with fresh fruit, or something like vegetables with hummus can keep you satisfied and provide you with the nutrients you need. With a greater number of family gatherings and holiday parties occurring during the month of December, a simple rule of thumb to keep in mind is the 80/20 rule, which is where you aim for 80% of your diet to be filled with nutritious foods, with the remaining 20% being dedicated to treating yourself with foods you enjoy. Restricting yourself too much and not allowing yourself to consume your favorite holiday treats will likely lead to binging later on, so remember to treat yourself in moderation!
Another tip to prioritize nutrition during the holidays is to find ways to incorporate healthy options into social gatherings. While holiday parties often feature high-calorie appetizers and sugary drinks, you can contribute by bringing your own nutritious dish. For example, a fruit salad or a vegetable platter with a low-fat dip can offer guests a healthier alternative to rich hors d'oeuvres. Again, you can still enjoy the delicious appetizers and drinks, but also filling up on something like a veggie platter can help provide you with some vitamins and minerals!
Portion control and mindful eating are some more great tips to prioritize nutrition this holiday season. It's easy to get caught up in the festivities and overeat, but practicing portion control can help prevent this. If you fill half of your plate up with veggies, and the rest of the plate with protein and starches, you can ensure that you are getting a balanced meal without overloading on calorie-dense foods. Additionally, paying attention to your hunger cues and aiming to eat until you’re comfortably full, not stuffed can again help prevent you from overeating.
Staying committed to your nutrition during the holiday season doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun or the food. By planning your meals, incorporating healthier options into gatherings, and practicing mindful eating, you can maintain a balanced diet without feeling deprived. The key to prioritizing nutrition during this time is to find a balance between indulgence and mindful choices. With a little preparation and self-awareness, you can enjoy the festive season while still feeling your best physically and mentally!