Welcome to the Positive Pulse blog! Check in with us each month for tips on healthy living, right on our website. A short snippet will be featured in the Positive Pulse monthly newsletter as well, which you can sign up for here.
We're back this month with some more tips on healthy living; this time our focus is on staying healthy while enjoying the holidays.
The food is often the most difficult holiday hurdle. Don’t skip meals; kipping a meal with the goal of saving calories prior to a holiday event can often backfire and lead to overeating due to ravenous feelings of hunger. Having a filling snack, such as fruit, string cheese, yogurt or a small handful of nuts, can help to curb your appetite and prevent overeating.
Contribute a Healthy Dish
Ensure at least one nutritious choice is available at potlucks by contributing a healthy dish.This can be especially important if you have special dietary needs that may be difficult to meet.
Choose Your Splurges
Scan the buffet or dinner table and choose a couple holiday favorites to splurge on. If you cut out foods that you can have any other day of the year, you can avoid overeating.
Think Color
Make a plate look festive by including fruits and veggies. More color often means more variety of types of foods. Aim to cover half the plate, there's no need to fill it completely.
Choose Drinks Wisely
Stick to calorie-free drinks, such as water, tea or seltzer, instead of high-calorie festive drinks. Alcoholic beverages contribute empty calories and can cause you to make poor judgments with food. If you do choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation, and alternate each alcoholic drink with a glass of water.
Visit the People, Not the Food
Make sure to put aside time for socializing, not just eating! Move socializing away from the buffet or appetizer table to prevent mindless eating.
Say No to Food Pushers
You don't have to say "yes" to every food item offered. But remember to be polite!
Savor Seasonal Treats
You don't have to say no to all dessert to stay healthy, having treats once a year will not make or break your weight. Make sure you take time to really taste and enjoy that special treat when you have it.
Eat Until You Are Satisfied, Not Stuffed
No one likes that icky, stuffed feeling after a meal. Eat slowly, and check your fullness levels while you’re eating. Remember — there are always leftovers!
Don’t Feel Guilty
If you did overindulge, don’t beat yourself up. Just make sure your next meal is a healthy one!
RESOURCES: https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/10-healthy-holiday-nutrition-tips/
