Wellness Wednesday: Eating Healthy During the Holidays

Pumpkin pie, frosted cookies, fudge and peanut brittle line the dessert tables at our holiday parties every year. Although they taste delicious, they aren’t the best for physical health! The holidays only come around once a year though, so small indulgences are encouraged.

There are ways to be mindful about what we’re eating and still maintain a healthy lifestyle around the holidays. While this may seem like an impossible task, here are a few simple things you can do to stay on track with your diet goals while still enjoying the treats that this season has to offer.

1. First, try to stick to a regular eating pattern. It can be tempting to skip meals or try to save up your calories for special occasions, but this often backfires and results in overeating later in the day. On days when you have holiday parties, be sure to continue to eat a well-balanced breakfast and lunch with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean sources of protein.
2. When you go to parties, scan the buffet table and make a game plan. Try to fill your plate with mostly nutritious foods and be strategic with your splurges. Focus on your favorite holiday treats that you can only get once a year, like grandma’s famous pecan pie, rather than the ones that are available year-round.
3. Lastly, take a break before taking seconds. It takes about 20 minutes for your stomach to signal to your brain that you are full. Use that time to partake in other festivities away from the buffet table. Catch up with a friend or loved one, play a board game, take a dance break, or go for a short walk.