‘Tis the season for stuffing, buttery rolls, gravy, pies, cookies and an endless assortment of tempting treats. From family gatherings to workplace celebrations, it can be easy to overindulge during this food-centric time of year.
Is it possible to enjoy the stuffing without overstuffing yourself? Staying healthy during the holidays doesn’t have to be miserable. Keep the flavor in festivities with these 12 food tips.
It may be tempting to skip a meal to give yourself the freedom to eat more during an upcoming holiday meal. This can backfire, however, leaving you overly hungry and less likely to make healthy food choices.
Don’t show up to the party famished. Instead, have a healthy snack beforehand so that you’re more likely to make decisions with your head instead of your stomach. A light snack, such as some fruit and a handful of nuts, can help keep hunger under control.
Eating healthy during the holidays doesn’t mean giving up flavor. Many similar foods are packed with flavor yet have fewer calories.
| Instead of This | Choose This |
|---|---|
| Frosted sugar cookie | Gingersnap cookie |
| Honey-glazed ham | Roasted turkey breast |
| Mashed potatoes and gravy | Mashed potatoes without the gravy or mashed cauliflower |
| Green bean casserole | Sauteed green beans or grilled winter vegetables |
| Candied yams | Roasted sweet potatoes |
| Pecan pie | Pumpkin pie |
| Whipped cream (in coffee or hot chocolate) | Frothed low-fat milk |
To stay hydrated, drink water throughout the day and during meals. Choose water over sodas and other sugary drinks, which can add calories to each sip.
Do the holidays feel incomplete without bread rolls? Or has pecan pie been your favorite dessert since childhood? Splurge a little, but have one roll instead of three. Or split a slice of pie with a friend.
Load your plate with vegetables, fruits and whole grains. These high-fiber foods take longer to digest, helping you feel fuller longer.1
Instead of refilling your plate right away, wait a few minutes to give your body time to signal that it’s had enough. Eat until you’re satisfied instead of being overly full. Take a moment to stand up, walk around or chat with others to give yourself time to reconsider seconds.
Stay active after meals. Take the dog for a walk, invite a few friends for a stroll in the neighborhood or take the kids to a local park.
Once the meal is finished, move leftovers to the refrigerator to remove the visual temptation and avoid mindless eating.
Don’t take leftovers home. When a well-intended friend offers a batch of sugar cookies as you head out the door, politely decline to avoid the temptation at home.
Stress sometimes accompanies holidays, which can lead to turning to food for comfort. Find alternative sources of comfort, such as listening to music, hanging out with a friend, reading a book, enjoying a hobby or spending time in prayer.
Avoid grabbing a bag of chips or candy at the gas station. Instead, pack your own snacks such as yogurt, hummus, fruits and vegetables, trail mix, unbuttered popcorn or low-fat string cheese.2
Don’t feel guilty for declining food that disrupts your holiday eating goals. It’s acceptable to turn down homemade fudge or Christmas cupcakes. You can simply say no or mention that you’ve reached your limit for the day.
Your well-being is essential year-round, whether you’re eating healthy during the holidays, managing stress, seeking preventive care or exercising on a budget. At GuideStone®, we offer health plans designed to enhance your wellness and honor your biblical values because our vision is that every servant of Christ finishes well. For more information, contact us at Insurance@GuideStone.org or 1-844-INS-GUIDE (1-844-467-4843), Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT.
GuideStone welcomes the opportunity to share this general information. However, this article is not intended to be relied upon as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
1MayoClinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/weight-loss/art-20044318
2ClevelandClinic.org/the-best-travel-snacks-for-eating-on-the-road
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