7 tips for healthy holiday eating

Thanksgiving may be over, but there are still two major holidays to go–Christmas and New Year’s, and that can mean disaster for regular diet plans. While it may not seem like one or two big meals can ruin months of hard work, when you think about the holidays, there are usually many more indulgences than just the main holiday meals.

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It’s not easy to eat healthy during the holidays, but it’s possible. Not only is it possible, in fact, it’s possible without giving up all your favorite items. So what are the tricks to making it through without pounds of extra holiday-cheer weight? Saludify has compiled a list to guide you.

1. Cut back on the alcohol: Alcohol is one of those sneaky sources of calories we don’t always think about. If you plan on drinking during actual celebration events, make sure you cut out the casual alcohol intake while at home.
2. Snack at home: Holiday parties usually have delicious food, and walking into such an event when you’re hungry means you’re less likely to watch what you load onto your plate. Before you head out to the gathering, make sure you have a small, healthy snack like raw vegetables. This will help you feel full and make you less likely to overeat.
3. Monitor you eating: Sutter Health CPMC recommends monitoring meals. If you overeat at one, go light at another. It only takes 500 extra calories a day for one week to gain a pound. It’s okay to have a piece of pie, just make healthier decisions the next time you eat.

   

4. Look for healthy alternatives to traditional items: If you’re cooking a holiday meal, there are ways you can make traditional dishes healthier. When making mashed potatoes, for example, use skim milk or broth instead of whole milk.
5. Be the change you want to see: Holiday parties are a great opportunity to help others maintain their health, too. When it’s time for you to bring a dish to pass, The University of California, Los Angeles, recommends bringing a healthy dish that you enjoy. This way you are guaranteed something healthy on your plate.
6. Small portions: There’s no reason you can’t try the pie, the cake and the cookies?just take tiny pieces of each. The point of holiday desserts and fancy dishes is to savor the flavor, and you don’t need a large portion to do this. Small portions will leave your palate satisfied and will also allow you to keep your plate portion under control.
7. Leave the table when you are done: If you’re at a family gathering or with friends in a formal dining situation, leaving the table will be the best decision you make all night. When you linger at the table for after-dinner conversation, you are more likely to reach for extra servings of the food that is left out. Remember, “out of sight, out of mind” applies with food, too!

SEE ALSO: Things to keep in mind when buying holiday toys this season

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