Navigating the Holiday Season One Day At a Time

• Enjoy breakfast every day!
Regardless of whether you have one party or five parties to attend, eating breakfast every morning will help prevent overeating throughout the day. Don’t have time for breakfast? Make it easy on yourself and grab a protein shake or bar for a quick and convenient meal.

• Be Realistic!
According to research, people can gain on average 1-2 pounds per year during the holiday season. Instead of trying to lose weight this holiday season just focus on maintaining. There is enough added stress this season, don’t add any more to your plate!

• Don’t skip meals!
And never go to a holiday party hungry! It is hard enough to say no to the holiday treats when you are full, so don’t make it harder on yourself and show up to a party hungry. Make sure you have a snack that includes some protein and fiber, (i.e.; Greek yogurt and fruit) before you leave to help prevent overeating.

• Bring your own food!
If you are attending a party and are not sure there will be healthful food for you to enjoy, bring your own favorite healthful dish to share.

• Scan and Plan!
When you are at a party that is more buffet style than sit down, make sure you scan all the available food tables first and then make a plan of what you want to eat. Allow yourself a small amount of your favorite food and try to fill the rest of the plate with colorful vegetables and lean proteins. Don’t forget to allow some room for a small dessert. The turkey will be the only thing stuffed this holiday season!

• Beware of beverages!
Some holiday drinks can sabotage all your efforts. For example one cup of eggnog can have around 350 calories and 19 grams of fat, and that’s just one cup! Make your own low fat/low calorie version by switching to skim milk and using a zero calorie sweetener; your eggnog will have only around 100 calories and less than 1 gram of fat.

• Make time for a little exercise!
Exercise helps decrease anxiety and stress levels which can be in full swing during the holiday season. Don’t have time to fit in a whole session? Try to break it up throughout the day. A fifteen minute walk twice a day and some full body stretches while you are watching your favorite TV show and your exercise is done for the day. Simple as that!

• Start new traditions!
Instead of making the focus of the celebrations food related, how about switching to interactive board or cards games? Or get the family outside to enjoy the fresh air! Food doesn’t have to monopolize the entire day, fun can!