The holidays can be a challenging time of year for many, especially when you are watching what you eat and focusing on having balanced meals. During this time, it can be hard to control what food you’re served, alcohol is abundant, and it can be difficult to refrain from binging when everyone else is loading up on treats.
Here are a couple of “tips” to get you through this Holiday season:
- Start Strong: A Balanced Breakfast that Sets the Tone for Your Holiday DayStart the day off with a modest breakfast and eat light snacks throughout the day.
- Keep Blood Sugar Steady by Sticking to Your Usual MealtimesEat close to your usual times to keep your blood sugar steady. If your meal is served later than normal, eat a small snack at your usual mealtime.
- Bring a Dish You LoveIf you are a guest in someone else’s home offer to bring a dish that you know fits into your meal plan,
- Why Skipping Meals BackfiresDon’t skip meals. It will be harder to manage your blood sugar, and you’ll be really hungry and more likely to overeat.
- Slip Up? One Meal Won’t Undo Your ProgressIf you slip up, get right back to healthy eating with your next meal. Don’t punish yourself, beat yourself or shame yourself.
- Veggies First: The Simple Holiday Plate Hack That Keeps You Fuller, LongerBegin the meal by eating your vegetables first! Eating fibrous vegetables can balance your blood sugar and fill you up a lot faster-leading to less snacking and mindless eating.
- Slow Down and Savour: The 20-Minute Rule That Prevents OvereatingEat slowly. It takes at least 20 minutes for your brain to realize you’re full.
- Mindful Eating: Enjoy Every Bite Without Going OverboardEat mindfully. Be aware of what you are eating.
- Rethink Holiday Drinks: Smarter Choices for Alcohol and Blood SugarAvoid or limit alcohol. If you are having alcohol have it with food.
- No “Bad” Foods: How to Enjoy Your Seasonal Favorites Without GuiltThere are no bad foods. Select your favourite foods and enjoy them in reasonable quantities. Savour a small serving, especially if it is something that you do not eat often.
- Your Progress Is Stronger Than One Dessert: Why Flexibility MattersOne piece of pie will NOT destroy your progress. Remember that life is to be enjoyed and sticking rigidly to a meal plan at times is not a sustainable lifestyle choice.
Join MOVATI Today and get Started with this Special Offer. Already a member? Get customized programming and improve your mobility and recovery by consulting with one of our Performance Coaches in club and complete your Game Plan Session or join seminars with one of our fitness professionals.
Story Credit: Kristy Whyte, Nutritionist
*MOVATI’s trainers and/or consultants are not health care providers, and do not provide any medical diagnosis, treatment or advice, and any trainer and/or consultant tips are not intended to replace the advice of a health care professional.
