It can be so challenging to eat well during the holidays.
I know when I am with my family and off my daily schedule, I want to eat like a trash can. And sometimes I do, but I wanted to give ya’ll 10 quick tips on how to stay healthy and stay (mostly!) on track with your eating during the holiday season.
I hope these tips help you! If you need motivation, feel free to reach out and we can do this together… in between Christmas cookies.
(Yes, my Christmas cooking tips all stem from Paula Deen!)
-Eat a fiber-filled, balanced breakfast. Those cinnamon rolls are fine once or twice, but try to start your day out with good carbs (like a banana nut muffin) and yogurt, or an egg sandwich and a fruit cup.
-Guzzle that water! If you’re like me and love a good glass of eggnog (or two), you need to make sure you’re staying hydrated and getting your electrolytes. A Gatorade is also good to add in, especially if you feel like you went a little too hard at the ugly sweater party.
-Divide your plate. At buffet-style gatherings, try to fill half your plate with veggies. Use the other two quarters each for protein and starchy dishes. Also, try not to up your serving size more than you would at a typical dinner at home.
-Speaking of veggies, try to bring a good veggie plate to your gatherings, so everyone can have a healthier option. My mom always makes a veggie and cheese board shaped like a tree for Christmas morning, and it’s gone within the hour! Check that out on my Pinterest here.
-Have a dessert rule. Try not to go for the sweets at every event– stop by the dessert table at one party, and skip it at the next.
-Eat your lean meats! Lean chicken and turkey are better options than a pork chop or a steak smothered in butter.
-And get in your protein if you aren’t into meat. Peanut butter is my go to for a good shot of protein if I need something fast between meals!
-Pre-made meals are your friend. I typically eat prepped meals throughout the week anyway, but it’s SO helpful during the holiday season, because things are always much busier than normal and it’s hard to find a healthy option. For lunch, they can be a lifesaver–either at work or doing last minute Christmas shopping.
-While I know I said this post was about eating well, I have to add this in: Get in exercise when you can! It’s really tough to make time for the gym when you have parties and family obligations, but everyone can fit in some type of exercise. Take a walk with your baby cousins, opt for the stairs at the mall, lift the heavy presents and carry them to the car. Anything helps, especially when you’re probably consuming more food and being more sedentary than normal. If you want some of my ideas for quick exercises you can do at home, click here.
-Don’t beat yourself up over a binge. It’s the holidays, for the Lord’s sake. Have a peppermint cupcake.
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