Image: Canva
The holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and indulgence. From festive meals to decadent desserts, the abundance of food is a hallmark of holiday gatherings. While it’s important to enjoy these moments, we need to remember that maintaining a balance between celebration and health can help you feel your best throughout the season.
Here are some tips to help you navigate holiday eating mindfully and with ease:
Practice Mindful Eating
Amid the festivities, slow down and savor each bite. Listen to your hunger and fullness cues to avoid overeating. Eating mindfully not only enhances your enjoyment of food but also supports better digestion and satisfaction.
Control Portions
The key to enjoying holiday meals without overindulging is portion control. Using a smaller plate can help you manage portions effortlessly. Aim to fill half your plate with colorful fruits and vegetables and balance the rest with lean protein and fiber-rich whole grains.
Don’t Skip Meals
Skipping meals to “save room” for a big dinner often backfires, leading to overeating. Instead, stick to your regular meals and include light snacks, such as a handful of nuts or a piece of fruit, to keep your energy stable and your appetite in check.
Be Mindful of Beverages
Holiday drinks like cocktails, eggnog, and specialty coffees can be high in calories and sugar. If you choose to enjoy these beverages, balance them with water or seltzer to stay hydrated and avoid overindulgence. Alternating between alcoholic drinks and water is a great way to enjoy responsibly.
Lighten Up Recipes
Traditional holiday recipes can often be adjusted to reduce sugar and saturated fat without compromising flavor.
For example, cutting the sugar in baked goods or using half the butter can make recipes lighter. Substituting whole-wheat flour for all-purpose flour adds fiber and helps you feel fuller longer.
Stay Active
Remember, the holidays are about more than just food. Laugh, mingle, and engage in activities that bring joy and connection. Taking a walk with loved ones after a meal can be a wonderful way to enjoy quality time while staying active. The holidays are busy, but finding time to move each day is crucial. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a family game of tag, or dancing to your favorite holiday tunes, staying active supports both your physical and mental health.
Be Kind to Yourself
Slip-ups are natural, and one indulgent meal won’t derail your health goals. The most important thing is to refocus and continue making balanced choices. Holiday eating is not about perfection; it’s about enjoying the season with a mindful approach.
How We Can Help
Our Integrative Health Services focus on our members’ health care and wellness holistically. USFHP has highly qualified healthcare professionals that can help you understand and manage your specific health needs.
We make it a priority to keep our services simple, enhanced, and innovative because we always go the extra mile for you. At USFHP, we’re family!
Visit usfhp.net or call 1-800-241-4848 for more information or assistance scheduling a one-on-one appointment.