Quick Guide for a Healthy Holiday!
Holidays entail incredible feasts, appetizing recipes and yummy desserts. It is tempting to indulge yourself to those enticing foods instead of eating healthfully during the holiday season. To keep an eye at your diet, here are some healthy tips to help you get through the holiday temptations.
Don’t skip breakfast
Eating breakfast helps activate your metabolism. Hence, you will definitely burn off all those holiday calories.
Get moving
Exercise is by far the best way to burn off all those extra holiday calories. It can be very positive and motivating too. When you spend time sweating it out at the gym, you’re more likely to make healthier food choices since you don’t want to cancel out all that hard work.
Focus on fiber
Fiber-rich fruits, vegetables and whole grains are excellent choices to help fill you up. Aim for at least 5 servings of veggies and 2-3 servings of fruits each day during the holidays and/or everyday. Choose whole grains such as 100% whole wheat bread, steel cut oatmeal or brown rice over refined or processed carbohydrates.
Rehydrate
Don’t trade water to a seasonal cocktails. It’s essential to replenish with plenty of good old H20. Make sure to drink at least 6-8 cups of water daily to combat dehydration, provide essential fluid and keep your body running efficiently. Limit intake of cider, eggnog and other high calorie holiday beverages.
Prioritize Protein
Adding lean protein to each meal can help keep stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels and limit fat storage. Excellent sources of protein include soy (tofu), nuts, lean poultry, lean meats, reduced fat dairy products, legumes and eggs.
Limit temptation
Take away any irresistible treats from your pantry or refrigerator. Donate that holiday gift basket or cookie tin to a food pantry or homeless shelter. Let someone else take those tasty holiday leftovers home. Send holiday cards instead of making cookies or other baked goods.
Stay balanced
Try to do your best and take each day one at a time. If you overdo it today try to make a healthy choice tomorrow. Don’t deprive yourself, but at the same time, eat consciously and try to make educated, health-conscious decisions.
