7 Holiday Eating Habits that are Good for You

With these professional suggestions, you can enjoy your favorite holiday foods while still feeling well in your body.

When the holidays come around every year, there always seems to be a heavy sprinkling of guilt and shame. With Thanksgiving being a holiday solely dedicated to eating food and all of the holiday parties that pop up during the Christmas season, many people appear to believe there are only two options: ignore all of the delicious food and try to eat healthily, or completely forget about eating healthy and indulge.

The truth is that you can have the best of both worlds, as Hannah Montana famously stated. It is feasible to take advantage of everything the holiday season has to offer while being healthy. It’s all about developing healthy eating habits over the holidays that will leave you feeling pleased and good in your skin rather than bloated.

We’ve identified a few healthy eating habits that will keep you feeling your best while also allowing you to enjoy all of the pleasure that the Christmas season has to offer!

1.Concentrate on the good aspects of your situation.

Find positive methods to approach the meals that will help you feel healthier in the process, rather than focusing on negative self-talk like trying to “avoid” specific foods.

Consider what you can add to your diet rather than what you should eliminate. For example, if you focus on being optimistic and adding more nutritious produce to your diet, you may find that you no longer need junk food.

Rather than saying you can’t have something, why not incorporate it into a healthy eating plan

2.Follow the 80/20 rule of thumb.

Everyone is entitled to indulge in their favorite holiday treats; the key is to avoid overindulging for the next two months. The 80/20 guideline might help you keep your holiday schedule balanced while still doing what you enjoy. The goal is to eat nutrient-dense foods 80% of the time. High-fiber carbohydrates, lean protein, healthy fats, dairy, fruit, and vegetables are all examples.

Also, don’t forget about your fitness programme! Then spend on those comfort meals and gratifying treats that only come around once a year 20% of the time. If you nourish your body with nutrient-dense foods for most of the time, the 20% is unlikely to have much of an impact.

3.Make sure you don’t go hungry.

Enjoy a snack before going to a holiday party or event so you are not starving when you arrive. You may keep yourself occupied with a bowl of vegetable soup, hummus, and vegetables, or a handful of almonds and a piece of fruit.

4.Include fiber and protein in your diet.

Making sure your meals and snacks have a healthy source of both fiber and protein to keep you feeling content is one of the greatest ways to enjoy the holiday treats without overindulging. This way, you’ll be less inclined to overeat, and it’ll be simpler to control portions when you indulge in less-than-healthy holiday delights.

Cut-up vegetables, whole wheat crackers, and fiber-rich dips have a lot of power. These foods are not only high in vitamins and minerals but are also high in fiber. Fiber might aid in keeping you full for extended periods of time. It can also lessen your appetite, lowering your calorie intake.

5.Plan your treats ahead of time.

One of the best ways to enjoy your favorite holiday delights without letting them get the best of you is to plan ahead of time which of your favorite meals and beverages you’ll indulge in, as well as where you’ll draw the line in terms of portion size. It’s all too easy to keep repeating, “I’ll have one more,” when there’s no restriction in place.

You can fully appreciate your favorite pleasures and are more inclined to savor them if you set a limit ahead of time. And once you’ve consumed your predetermined portion, you’ll know you’ve finished it, and you won’t be missing out on your favorite dishes. You’ll also be able to enjoy the holidays without feeling stuffed or guilty.

6.Keep yourself hydrated.

When it comes to deciding what to put on your plate, drinking water throughout the day can help keep your body hydrated and healthy.

Did you know that many people mistake thirst for hunger? It’s customary to grab an additional helping of stuffing or cookies when this happens. All those calories might pile up quickly if you’re not careful. Rather, drink a bottle of water before you eat anything.

Plus, here’s What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Drinking Water if you’re not getting enough water.

7.Eat whatever you want—just make sure you portion it out!

You can eat whatever you want as long as you portion it out properly and set your plate up for success.

Portion control is essential for achieving your weight-loss goals. It’s crucial to keep track of the amount of food that ends up on your plate and the bit of food that you really consume. When we don’t practise mindful eating, it’s easy to consume one or two pieces too many.

Using an app to track your meals and snacks will help you stay on track throughout the day and keep track of your portions while still enjoying all of your favorite holiday delicacies.

-Tanisha