With just a few helpful tips, you can avoid holiday weight gain while still enjoying friends, family and the holiday feast!
In preparation for a big holiday party or feast, do not skip meals throughout the day. Enjoy your food, but eat less avoiding oversized portions. High-fiber foods will satisfy hunger and can be lower in calories, so include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your meals.
Holiday meals tend to be large, buffet-style and include multiple helpings. While most wouldn't consider eating an entire cake, a common mistake is eating large portions of foods that are perceived as healthy.
Including nutrient-rich foods in your diet is great, but remember that these foods have calories too and should be enjoyed in moderation. Don’t forget to enjoy a glass of water with your meal, avoiding sugary drinks.
There are many simple ways to enjoy your holiday meals while avoiding overeating.
For example, using a smaller plate allows you to put less food on your plate and encourages proper portion sizes.
Also, start by filling your plate with vegetables and salad before going to the entrees and desserts —Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org
Here are a few more healthy holiday eating tips to remember:
Be Realistic! (Maintain—Don’t Gain.)
Exercise! (Plan time to be physically active for at least thirty minutes per day.)
Don’t Skip Meals! (You will be less likely to over-indulge.)
Survey buffets before filling your plate!
Eat until satisfied…not stuffed!
Be careful with beverages!
Balance your day! (If you overeat at one meal go light on the next.)
Take the focus off food!
Bring a healthy dish to holiday gatherings!
Practice healthy holiday cooking!
You are also invited to join the 10th annual Eat Smart, Move More, Maintain, Don’t Gain! Holiday Challenge.
Rather than focusing on trying to lose weight, this free seven-week challenge provides participants with tips, tricks, and ideas to help maintain your weight throughout the holiday season.
The Holiday Challenge runs from November 16 through December 31.
Once you join you will have access to:
A calorie counter, a food log and an activity log to track your progress.
A chance to receive bonus healthy holiday recipes if you sign up early and complete the pre-survey.
Six free weekly emailed newsletters with tips to
Manage holiday stress
Fit physical activity into your day
Cook quick and healthy meals
Healthy recipes included in the newsletters and available on our website.
Sign up today at https://esmmweighless.com/holiday-challenge-live/
Remembering these helpful tips during the holidays will allow you to maintain and live a healthful life — one that can also include dessert ... Because Public Health Matters!
For more information and healthy tips to remember during the holiday season, contact HCPHS Health Department at 252-583-5021.
Also connect with Halifax County Public Health System on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HCPHS and on Twitter @HCPHS_NC.
