With Halloween approaching and Thanksgiving soon to follow, it’s important to
be able to stay on your diet plan throughout the season of temptations! You don’t
want all your hard work to go to waste. Here are some tips for staying healthy
during the holidays:
1. Plan time for exercise. Exercise helps relieve holiday stress and
prevent weight gain. A moderate and daily increase in exercise can
help partially offset increased holiday eating. Try 10- or 15-minute
brisk walks twice a day.
2. Don’t skip meals. Before leaving for a party, eat a light snack like raw
vegetables or a piece of fruit to curb your appetite. You will be less
tempted to over-indulge.
3. Survey party buffets before filling your plate. Choose your favorite
foods and skip your least favorite. Include vegetables and fruits to
keep your plate balanced.
4. Eat until you are satisfied, not stuffed. Savor your favorite holiday
treats while eating small portions. Sit down, get comfortable, and
enjoy.
5. Be careful with beverages. Alcohol can lessen inhibitions and induce
overeating; non-alcoholic beverages can be full of calories and sugar.
Try sparkling water instead.
6. Take the focus off food. Turn candy and cookie making time into non-
edible projects like making wreaths, dough art decorations or a
gingerbread house. Plan group activities with family and friends that
aren’t all about food. Try serving a holiday meal to the community,
playing games or going on a walking tour of decorated homes.
7. Bring your own healthy dish to a holiday gathering.
8. Practice Healthy Holiday Cooking. Preparing favorite dishes lower in
fat and calories will help promote healthy ” Staying Healthy ” holiday eating.