Here are my Top 5 Holiday Eating Tips:
1) Bring a dish with you
The best way to guarantee that there’ll be something healthy to eat is to bring your own food. You can make a healthy version of any holiday recipe. Use all-natural, whole-food ingredients and avoid processed ingredients, including sugar, salt, and flours. For example, instead of sugar, use real honey; instead of processed table salt, use sea salt. Two of my favorite dishes to bring to holiday gatherings are Roasted Root Vegetables or Maple Fruit Compote with Honey-Ginger Toasted Nuts. They are tasty and easy to make.
2) Eat beforehand
If you are unable to bring a dish, try to eat something healthy before you go to a party or gathering, so you won’t be famished when you get there. If you’re too busy getting ready and don’t have time to prepare something, grab some nuts, veggies, or fruit to eat on the way there.
3) Make conscious choices
If the gathering has a buffet table, take a look at the entire spread before adding food to your plate. Then, largely fill your plate with all the green things you can, like salads and vegetables. Avoid anything made with flour, white starches, or sugar. If there are special treats that you really want, enjoy them, but in small portions.
4) Set an alcohol limit
If you’re drinking alcohol, set a limit for yourself beforehand. Drinking too much can cause you to eat more. Try not to drink before the meal and avoid cocktails, which are usually loaded with sugar.
5) Notice emotional eating
Holiday food can remind us of good times or bad times with our families. Food, during the holidays, can be a way we comfort ourselves and try to bring back good feelings or cover over painful ones. Try to notice if you’re eating from hunger or for emotional reasons each time you eat holiday food.
It really is possible to enjoy the holidays and all that they offer in a healthy and satisfying way simply by bringing more consciousness to the choices you make.
