5 Ways to Stay on Track with Healthy Eating This Holiday Season

The holidays are a joyous time, filled with get-togethers and lots of delicious food. Though it can be challenging to stay on track with your healthy eating goals, it is possible to still enjoy yourself and all the tasty foods of the season. In today’s post, I’ll share 5 tips for staying on track with healthy eating during the holidays.

1. Don’t skip meals

Just because you’re planning to eat a large Thanksgiving or other holiday meal doesn’t mean you should skimp on eating the rest of the day. Not eating enough will likely make you hungrier and overeat later in the day. I recommend starting your day off with a protein-rich breakfast, such as scrambled eggs cooked with spinach, mushrooms, or other veggies, and whole grain toast topped with mashed avocado. This combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fat will keep you satisfied until your big meal.

2. Eat a snack before you go

Another idea is to eat a small snack before you leave the house. This can prevent you from getting overly hungry and help you resist the tempting appetizers that may be served before the meal. Good snack options include a small apple with peanut butter or berries mixed with cottage cheese or low-sugar Greek yogurt.

3. Avoid drinking your calories

Alcoholic drinks are packed with calories and can cause you to eat more or choose less healthy food options. Water or other calorie-free beverages are your best bet and will allow more room for all the yummy food calories.

4. Fill up on vegetables

Focus on the veggie-rich dishes and fill your plate with these first. Aim to make half your plate vegetables, as the fiber will help to fill you up so you eat less of the higher calorie foods. Remember that even if the vegetable dishes are cooked in butter, cream, or served with cheese, you are still getting lots of good-for-you vitamins and minerals!

5. Take small portions of your favorite dishes

You don’t have to give up your favorite dishes during holiday meals. Start with a small portion of each of your favorites, savor each bite, and don’t go back for seconds right away. Instead, take your time with eating and pause after your first plate to determine if you are still hungry for more.

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to make healthier choices when it comes to holiday eating while still enjoying yourself. Even choosing just one or two of the above tips can make a difference and keep you on track with your healthy eating.