So, you’ve decided to give the holidays a try, healthy style. That’s great! Now all you have to figure out is how to get through them without gaining five pounds or, worse, getting sick. Eating healthy during the holidays may seem like an impossible feat, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips on how to make sure your holiday food choices are as delicious as they can be while also keeping your waistline happy.
Aim to Get a Variety of Different Food Groups.
One way to ensure you’re making healthy choices is by eating a variety of different food groups. The USDA recommends that we eat a variety of different foods each day, but what exactly are these foods?
- Proteins such as seafood, meat, nuts and seeds;
- Fruits such as whole fruits and 100% fruit juices;
- Vegetables such as spinach, carrots, potatoes and mushrooms;
- Grains such as rice and bread; and
- Dairy products such as milk, cheese and yoghurt.
Plan Your Meals
You can make healthy choices during the holidays by planning your meals. Before you go to the grocery store or decide what to eat, make a list of all the food that you want to buy. Include snacks and breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
You should also plan your meals around your schedule. For example, if you have a lot of time on Sunday morning to cook breakfast before going out on Christmas shopping trips with family members, then plan some healthy homemade foods such as oatmeal or eggs for breakfast instead of buying fast food at a drive-thru that day.
Don’t Go Out On an Empty Stomach.
Eat something before you go out to eat, go to a party, go to the movies, or attend a sporting event. It’s important that your body has a source of energy and nourishment in order to keep up with what you’re doing over the holidays. Being hungry can lead you down some dangerous paths as far as food choices go—it’s easy for people who are hungry to make bad decisions about what they eat. We’re talking complex carbs and high-sugar treats.
We know it can be difficult to make healthy choices sometimes, especially around the holidays. But if you keep these tips in mind and plan ahead, you’ll be able to stay on track with your diet, and slip back into university life happy and healthy.