Aim for a season of healthy
The holiday season is upon us which brings to mind all the wonderful dishes and desserts like pecan pie, stuffing, casseroles, and eggnog that people enjoy this time of year. These comfort foods can make eating healthy during the holidays challenging. The best intentions can crumble when making merry with family and friends who are feasting on delicious foods. Health Services has some tips to avoid overindulging during the season.
Be wise with dessert:
- Split a dessert with a family member or friend.
- Bring a healthier version of your favorite dessert to the gathering.
- Try to avoid eating a dessert after every meal.
Be mindful of hidden calories:
- Try to avoid adding sauces to meats or cheese sauce to vegetable dishes.
- Swap full fat dressings for lighter versions.
- Swap sugar for a lower calorie sweetener in beverages.
- Try a mocktail version of your favorite beverage.
Before the holiday gathering:
- Eat before the gathering so you are not too hungry.
- Survey available options and avoid grazing.
- Offer to bring a healthy dish to the gathering.
Remember, everything in moderation so you have a good time and stay healthy with habits that work for you. If you eat more than you planned, don’t consider it a catastrophe and add guilt to the mix. Start again with healthy habits the following week.
Websites to give your favorite holiday recipe a health make-over:
https://recipes.heart.org/en/collections/lifestyles/holiday
https://diabetesfoodhub.org/recipes/holidays-entertaining
https://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/17938/holidays-occasions/christmas/
