Image by August de Richelieu
‘Tis the season for holiday traditions and heavy meals. It’s easy to push aside diets and exercise regimens. The CDC provides its recipe to healthy eating while still enjoying your family favorites.
Did you know, by eating ~ 200 extra calories a day — a piece of cheesecake and hot chocolate here, a couple lattes and some brown butter cookies there — you can pack on two to three pounds over this five- to six-week period.
Holiday-Proof Your Plan
Planning ahead can save your waistline. Always eat close to your usual times to keep your blood sugar steady, even if it’s just a snack until dinner.
Invited somewhere?
Think about bringing a healthy dish. Or if dessert is a must, skip on the carbs like bread and potatoes.
Outsmart the Dinner Table
Psychology plays an important role in what and how much we consume. Starting with vegetables may help to take the edge off your appetite. Try using a small plate and sit further away from the buffet table. And eat slowly. It takes at least 20 minutes for your brain to realize you’re full.
Fit in Favorites
No food is on the naughty list. It is the holidays after all. Treat yourself with family favorites in moderation. Try modifying traditional recipes with healthful alternatives.
Keep Moving
Don’t forget to add physical activity on your plate! Not only will it help shed those extra calories, it will also reduce stress during this most stressful time of year. We know it’s busy. Breaking up physical activity into bite-sized sessions makes it easier to schedule, like walking 10 minutes several times a day
Get Your Zzz’s
You should aim for 7-8 hours of sleep daily. Your body uses this time to regulate blood sugar levels. A lack of sleep could lead to more poor eating decisions like high-fat and high-sugar foods.
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