When you think about the holidays, what comes to mind?
For me it’s the smell of cookies baking, a stuffed turkey, pumpkin pie, and hot cocoa. The great treats of the season really stick with you, not only in your fond memories but on your waistline too! Although food is a predominant part of holidays, there are other things that you can focus on so that it’s not just about the food. Try these holiday survival tips to put less emphasis on holiday eating:
- Begin a new tradition with you family: Try volunteering at a food drive together or go shopping to donate toys for children in need.
- Get outside: Bundle up and go sledding when it snows, walk to look at light decorations, and try ice skating. If your in the Philadelphia area check out ice skating at the Blue Cross RiverRink!
- Make ornaments instead of cookies: this can be fun for everyone, just get creative with these great ideas. By time you’re done not only will you have new ornaments to gift or keep but you will have plenty of laughs and memories as well.
Although you might be able to avoid the overabundance of holiday food at home, it can be very difficult elsewhere. If you’re trying to lose weight or just maintain your weight through the holiday season, try some of these tips to keep you eating right and in moderation.
- Fill your plate at holiday dinners with vegetables first. Aim for ½ of your plate being veggies and then add other foods you enjoy.
- Pick and choose the holiday parties you really want to go to. Although parties are always fun, sometimes its best to choose the ones you feel are a priority or just make a quick appearance at the party so that you can spend more time with the family or at the gym.
- Bring food to parities that are healthy and enjoyable, that way if there is nothing else that’s healthy for you to eat you still have something to eat.
- For every party you attend, schedule a fun workout like Zumba or Wii-fit.
- Watch out for alcohol! It’s filled with empty calories and seasonal drinks, such as eggnog, are often high in calories. Opt for a low calorie drinks such as a wine spritzer or light beer. Click here for more ideas.
- If making holiday desserts try altering the recipe to contain less sugar or try some of these recipes from Boston Magazine, Cooking Light, Diabetic Living Online, Eating Well, Food Network, or Dr. Oz – the Eggnog Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies with chick peas look interesting! Check out this video on how to make dark chocolate and pomegranate bark with ginger which is very festive and full of antioxidants!
It is important to have some fun during the holidays and allow yourself to eat the holiday foods you loved since you were a kid. Just remember portion control and don’t push your limits. You can also try making alternative recipes that are more health friendly than traditional recipes. Keep in mind that others may not be viewing the holidays as you are and take the opportunity to eat as they please. If feeling pressured from others to try this and eat more of that, politely turn it down. Often if you just explain that you are full and you are enjoying yourself, you will be understood. Having a holiday food game plan helps take the stress out of the holidays and allows you to focus on what’s really important spending time with your friends and family.
by Nicole Sellers-Hansen
Eat Fit Health Intern
Drexel University Graduate Student in Human Nutrition
ACSM Certified Personal Trainer