Holiday feasts mean piles of food. If you are usually careful about what and how much you eat, all of this temptation to overindulge can be stressful. So, don’t let angst about eating and holiday health spoil your enjoyment. Here are some tips to help you enjoy your holidays and eat without guilt.
Turn to Protein
Oh, those enticing holiday party spreads with their fattening dips and chips. It’s possible to keep taking endless little bites and still not feel full! Picking high-protein food will make you feel fuller more quickly and lessen the temptation to overeat. Go for sliced meats or cheeses, egg-based dishes, bean salads, and nut mixes.
Adopt a ‘Less Is More’ Philosophy
You may be tempted to taste all six dips on the snack table, all three versions of the holiday stuffing, and a portion of all five different desserts. Instead, when you’re filling up your plate at a holiday buffet, pick just one favorite from each category.
Eat When You’re Hungry
You might think that it’s best to eat less during the day when there’s a big party coming up. However, feeling really hungry because you’ve skipped a meal may actually trigger overeating later on. It’s healthier to honor your hunger during the day and eat smaller portions at the party.
Have Just One Fancy Holiday Cocktail
Holiday health doesn’t mean depriving yourself of those yummy holiday drinks – eggnog, cranberry- or peppermint-infused cocktails – treat yourself to one during your party-hopping. Then switch to something lighter in calories such as a dark beer, wine, or sparkling water.
Discover New Ways to Work Off Those Extra Calories
Instead of sticking to the same old gym workout or your daily thirty-minute jog, find new ways to move that provide some holiday fun and keep you in good holiday health. Here are a few ideas:
- Join a new and different workout class
- Recruit a friend to join in with an online workout video.
- Organize a family activity like hiking or ice skating.
- Find an indoor swimming facility or climbing wall.
Pay Attention to Sleep
Holiday times often mean a few late nights. However, try to prioritize getting enough sleep. Adequate sleep is associated with a healthy balance of the hunger hormone (ghrelin) and the fat controller hormone (leptin). Sleep deprivation may lead to changes in appetite and mood and cause you to overeat in compensation.
Your Holiday Health is Important to MedTrust
If you have a holiday emergency, you should call 911 because MedTrust primarily serves hospitals. However, MedTrust would like to wish you a happy and healthy holiday season.