The festive season is a time for celebration, catching up with loved ones, and of course, indulging in delicious treats. But, it’s also important to ensure that you’re making healthy choices and eating well over the holiday period. In this blog post, we’ll be giving you some tips and tricks to help you make nutritious and delicious food choices over the Christmas and New Year period, so you can enjoy the festive season without compromising on your health. Keep reading to learn more!
Watch your portion sizes
The holiday season is a time of indulgence, and it can be hard to resist the temptation of delicious treats. To ensure that you don't overindulge, it is important to practice mindful eating by utilizing smaller plates and chewing your food slowly.
Using a smaller plate will limit the amount of food you can put on your plate, reducing the amount you consume in one sitting. Eating slowly allows you to savour each bite, and the feeling of fullness will come more quicker. This can help you avoid overeating or binging.
In addition, if you are hosting a gathering, consider offering snacks that are lower in fat and sugar. Offer a variety of fruits and vegetables, low-fat cheeses, nuts, and whole-grain crackers as appetizers or light snacks. Not only are these healthier options, but they are also great for those who may have dietary restrictions or allergies.
Finally, don't forget to enjoy yourself. Take time to savour the tastes and smells of the season, spending quality time with family and friends. Healthy eating is about finding balance and making mindful choices - so allow yourself to indulge in the foods you love in moderation.
Balance your meals
Balancing your meals during the Christmas and New Year period is an important part of staying healthy. Eating a balanced diet of healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, vegetables and protein can help you stay energized, keep your weight in check, and even reduce cravings. Here are some tips for ensuring your meals are balanced: -Eat plenty of vegetables to fill up on low calorie nutrients like vitamin A and C.
-Stick to filling grains like quinoa or brown rice which will release sugars slowly so you won't experience sugar crashes.
-Have protein rich foods at every meal - like eggs or chicken - which will make it easier to feel full with less food.
-Snack on nuts which have a high-fat content but provide fibre, proteins and minerals too.
Make sure you're getting enough protein
The festive season is an amazing time for getting together with family and friends and indulging in delicious food. While it's normal to treat yourself during the holidays, it's important to make sure you're still eating a healthy and balanced diet. One way of doing this is to make sure you're getting enough protein in your meals.
Protein is essential for a healthy body, as it helps to build muscle, repair damaged cells and provide your body with energy. Good sources of protein include lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts and legumes. Eating these foods regularly will help ensure you get all the nutrients you need.
If you're vegan or vegetarian, there are plenty of options for getting your protein too. Tempeh, tofu and seitan are all good plant-based sources of protein that you can easily incorporate into your festive meals. For those who like to snack, try snacking on some nuts or seeds which are also full of protein.
Eating enough protein over the festive period can be a challenge, but by making small changes to your diet, you can ensure you're getting all the nutrients your body needs while still enjoying yourself.
Drink lots of water
The festive period often involves overindulging in food and drink, which can leave you feeling bloated, sluggish and generally unwell. However, there are some simple steps you can take to help detoxify your body and avoid a post-party hangover.
One of the easiest and most effective ways to detoxify is to drink lots of water. This will help flush out toxins from your system and keep your organs functioning at their best. Aim to drink between eight and twelve glasses of water each day. If you’re not a fan of plain water, try adding some lemon or cucumber slices to give it a more interesting flavour.
You should also be mindful of what type of alcohol you are consuming during the festive period. Opt for lighter drinks such as gin and tonic or vodka and soda as these contain fewer calories than beers or wines. Additionally, ensure you alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated.
Finally, it is important to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the Christmas period to ensure you get enough vitamins and minerals. Start the day with a nutritious breakfast and snack on some fruit or veg throughout the day to help boost your energy levels and keep your digestive system in check.
By following these tips, you can enjoy the festivities without worrying about the dreaded hangover!
Avoid processed foods
When it comes to eating healthy during the holiday season, one of the most important things you can do is avoid processed foods. Processed foods are often high in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats, and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues. Instead of reaching for packaged snacks, try to opt for fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. These foods are much healthier for your body and will help you to feel energized and satisfied. Additionally, try to limit the amount of alcohol you drink, as this can lead to dehydration and unhealthy eating habits.
If you want to indulge in treats over the holidays, that’s okay! Just be mindful of portion sizes and choose healthy options when possible. For example, instead of having a plate full of cookies, why not bake some oatmeal raisin cookies with less sugar? Or, have an apple or pear with cinnamon as a sweet treat. You can also prepare healthy snacks such as popcorn, trail mix, and roasted nuts for everyone to enjoy.
With a little bit of planning, you can still enjoy your favorite festive dishes without packing on extra pounds or feeling sluggish. Eating healthy doesn't have to be hard - just remember to make smart food choices and avoid processed foods whenever possible.
Don't forget your vegetables
The festive season is the perfect time to enjoy lots of delicious treats, but it's also important to remember to get your daily intake of vegetables. Here are some tips on how to make sure you get your five a day even when the festivities are in full swing.
Cabbage and sprouts are a must-have over the Christmas period. They are packed with essential vitamins and minerals and they’re incredibly versatile; they can be served raw as a side dish, cooked into casseroles, or added to salads. Try roasting them with a bit of garlic and olive oil for a tasty side dish that will go perfectly with your Christmas dinner.
DIM, or diindolylmethane, is a compound found in cruciferous vegetables like cabbage and sprouts, and it can help the body metabolise oestrogen, which can be beneficial for hormone balance. So make sure to include plenty of cabbage and sprouts in your diet to get your daily dose of DIM.
Finally, don’t forget about the other veggies you can enjoy over the festive season. Root vegetables like carrots, turnips, and parsnips are ideal for roasting with festive herbs and spices. And don’t forget about green veggies like broccoli, kale, and spinach. They can be steamed, stir-fried, or simply sautéed in garlic and oil for a tasty side dish.
By adding plenty of these healthy vegetables to your festive meals, you’ll be getting all the benefits of DIM and oestrogen metabolism, as well as ensuring that you’re getting your five a day. So don’t forget your vegetables over the Christmas period!
Limit your alcohol intake
The holiday season is a time for celebration and indulgence, but that doesn’t mean you have to throw healthy eating out the window. While it can be easy to get carried away with all the delicious treats around, there are a few simple tips and tricks to keep your diet on track during the festive period.
One of the most important things to remember is to limit your alcohol intake. Alcohol is full of empty calories and can quickly add up over the course of a night. Instead of drinking multiple alcoholic drinks, opt for low-calorie alternatives like sparkling water with lime or a light beer.
It’s also a good idea to focus on eating healthier foods at the holiday table. Look for dishes that are high in protein and fiber like roasted vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains. Eating these kinds of foods will help you feel fuller faster, so you don’t end up overeating unhealthy snacks.
Finally, it’s important to listen to your body and know when you’re full. Eating too much during the holiday season can lead to weight gain and other health issues, so don’t be afraid to take a break from eating once you’ve had enough.
By following these tips and tricks, you can enjoy the holidays without sacrificing your health. With a little bit of willpower and discipline, you can stay on track and make this festive season a healthy one!
Get enough sleep
The festive season is a time for celebration, but it can also be a time when our diets and sleep schedules can become quite erratic. It’s important to remember that getting enough sleep is essential for our overall health, especially during the holidays. Poor sleep has been linked to an increase in stress levels and a decrease in the ability to make good decisions about what to eat.
Here are some tips for making sure you get enough sleep during the holidays:
• Avoid caffeine in the evening and try to limit your alcohol intake, as both can interfere with sleep.
• Try to stick to a consistent sleep schedule and wake up at the same time each day.
• Avoid screens and bright lights two to three hours before bedtime.
• Exercise regularly, but avoid exercising too close to bedtime.
• Unwind and relax before bedtime by doing things like reading, listening to soothing music or taking a warm bath.
By following these tips, you’ll be sure to get plenty of rest during the festive season so that you can make wise food choices. With the right amount of sleep, you’ll be able to enjoy all the holiday treats without feeling guilty!
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