It can be difficult to remember to eat healthy and not over do it on the sweets during the holidays. Here is a fun way to remember some healthy tips for the holiday season:
One Dish to Share
Bring a nutritious choice to add to the meal. Try to bring a dish centered around fruits or veggies. Some things you could bring are a veggie or fruit tray, fruit salad, stuffed mushrooms, mashed cauliflower, or a winter squash dish.
Two Alcoholic Beverages
Having two alcoholic drinks limits the amount of empty calories (calories consumed from foods or drinks with little nutritional value) as well as liquid calories (calories consumed from drinks with little nutritional value). This will allow you to have a larger calorie allowance for delicious holiday foods.
Three Yummy Cookies
Always allow yourself to enjoy the special treats we are surrounded with during the holidays. Be sure to keep track of how much you are eating and try not to over do it.
Four Fruits for Snacking
If you are hungry and your stomach is rumbling, try to choose a serving of fruit instead of sweets. There are many more nutrients in fruit compared to sweets. These nutrients will help you feel fuller for longer. Citrus is a great option as it’s in season during the winter months. Citrus is packed with vitamin C, which helps keep your immune system strong!
Five Veggies Each Day
Be sure to remember to eat at least five 1/2 cup servings of veggies each day. Veggies are packed with good-for-you vitamins and minerals that keep your immune system strong during the winter months.
Six Feet from the Buffet
Distance from the buffet makes the heart stay healthy – don’t stand next to the food table to prevent mindless eating.
Seven Days of Exercise
Don’t forget to exercise regularly during the holidays!
Eight Glasses of Water
Drink eight glasses (8 oz.) of water daily, especially before and during holiday parties and gatherings. We usually forget to stay hydrated because we are so busy socializing, so try to keep water with you at all times to remind yourself to drink.
Nine Ounces of Protein
Try to have three 3-ounce portions of lean, natural protein each day. Foods with protein are satisfying and help fill us up, which helps to prevent overeating. Some examples you may find around the table are meats, poultry, seafood, eggs, and beans.
Ten Pounds We Won’t Gain
By sticking to a healthy eating routine throughout the season, we can help prevent weight gain through the holidays.
Eleven New Choices
Expand your food horizons! By trying something new each month, you may find some new foods you like and enjoy.
Twelve Things to be Thankful for
Count the things we are grateful for each and every day!
Source: positivelynaperville.com
