Feeling Anxious About the Holidays?

The holidays are a wonderfully joyful time filled to the brim with family, friends, laughter, and good cheer. However, with all the festivities comes an abundance of delicious treats, like eggnog, festive holiday cookies, and Grandma’s famous pecan pie, making temptations feel like they are lurking around every corner -- which can be quite rough on your waistline. Thankfully, you can still enjoy and celebrate the holidays wholeheartedly without sabotaging your valuable health goals. Read on to discover how you can navigate this festive season with ease...

1. Bring a healthy dish to share

Headed to party and aren’t sure if there will be healthy options? Bring your own! That way you know there will be at least one healthy dish there. I recommend something high in protein (shrimp cocktail anyone?) or produce packed (grilled vegetable platters are always a hit and travel well!). 

2. Don’t skip meals

Skipping meals to save your calories for later usually backfires in ways you might not expect. Often, you end up feeling ravenous and are significantly more likely to overeat when dinner time finally arrives. Instead of putting yourself in that situation, it’s a much better strategy to fill up on a balanced portion of protein and plenty of produce before the party, so you aren’t tempted to overindulge when faced with all those enticing options.

3. Fill up on veggies

Vegetables are incredibly nutrient dense, low in calories, and rich in essential fiber, which helps you feel full and satisfied for a longer period of time. At festive holiday gatherings, aim to fill half your plate with a colorful variety of veggies -- and make it a point to eat them first! This not only supports your health but also sets a positive example for others at the table.

4. Watch your portions

There’s nothing wrong with indulging in your favorite foods. Just watch your portion sizes so you don’t overdo it. Try using a smaller plate. Start with a small portion, and if you really need more, you can go back for seconds.

5. Watch where you stand

Try to not stand too close to the food table. If you do, it makes it easy to mindlessly munch while you chat. Fill your plate and then move across the room and visit.

6. Say no to food pushers

Feeling pressured to eat unhealthy foods? If a friend or family member won’t take no for an answer, be confident and politely decline. Stay firm and say, “No thank you” until they back off.

7.  Prioritize your indulgences

Skip the mayo-laden dips and store bough cookies you can have anytime of the year.  Instead, indulge in your favorite foods that are only available at the holidays.  This will automatically decrease the number of choices you have, which will make it harder to overeat. 

8. Drink smart

Alcoholic drinks contain empty calories that can add up quickly. So if you drink, do so in moderation. Try drinking a glass of water in between drinks, or adding sparkling water to your wine. Or enjoy a festive holiday mocktail, decaf coffee, or warm tea.

Cheers!