Happy November, friend!
I can’t believe we are already full swing into the holiday season! And that means delicious food, holiday parties, and also the potential to fall behind on your health goals.
The good news is that you can get through the holidays, keep your health goals, and still enjoy your favorite holiday treats with your family and friends.
The key is having a plan!
Here are a few ideas to help you create a plan to stay on track with your health goals:
1. Eat a protein snack before parties
Having a protein snack before heading to a holiday party can help to stabilize your blood sugar and keep you from overeating at the party. Here are few ideas:
- Apple with nut butter
- Almonds and string cheese
- Trailmix
- Hardboiled Egg
- Protein Bites/Bars
- Roasted Chickpeas
- Hummus with chopped veggies
- Small Protein shake
- Greek Yogurt topped with berries
These snacks can help curb cravings and save you lots of empty calories on the potential not-so-healthy foods that may be served.
2. Eat treats in moderation
Who doesn’t associate Thanksgiving and Christmas with delicious sweet treats? I mean, it’s one of our favorite things, right?
Why not plan for which treats you’re going to make and/or eat?
Instead of eating everything offered at the dessert table, choose only your favorite treat!
3. “Health-ify” your favorite recipes
From green bean casserole to mashed potatoes and stuffing, there are healthier versions of all your favorite holiday recipes online. There are also plenty of healthy swaps for ingredients that aren’t so healthy.
Try some of these substitutions in your favorite recipes:
- Instead of Campbells Cream of Chicken or Mushroom Soup —–> Try Pacific Foods Cream of Chicken or Mushroom Soup
- Instead of White Sugar —–> Try Coconut Palm Sugar
- Instead of Mashed Potatoes full of butter and heavy cream —–> Try a mixture of mashed potatoes and cauliflower and use mostly chicken stock with a smaller amount of butter and cream.
- Instead of Cool Whip —–> Try So Delicious Whipped Topping
- Instead of regular dinner rolls —–> Try flourless Brazilian cheese rolls made with Cassava Flour
There are many more healthy swaps! All you have to do is a little sleuthing, and you can “health-ify” any recipe!
4. Stay hydrated
Sometimes we feel hungry when our body is actually just in need of hydration. Keep a large water bottle filled with distilled or purified water to sip on throughout the day.
This will keep cravings at bay as well as give you energy!
5. Load up on veggies
Go ahead and bring that veggie tray! Every party needs a good tray of vegetables, so why not be the one to bring it? Better yet, load your plate with the veggies and try to fill up on them! It will leave less room for the unhealthy foods!
6. Make mini desserts
Mini-anything is always so cute and fun, so why not make mini desserts? You will save on calories, and it will automatically help you with portion size. Mini pies, cheesecakes, muffins, cupcakes, etc. Whatever your favorite is, make it in a mini size!
7. Limit your alcohol intake
Let’s face it – alcohol essentially turns to sugar in our bodies. I’m not suggesting not to celebrate with family and friends over the holidays. Instead, look for healthier options and stick to one glass. Here are few healthier options:
- White wines (Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Grigio)
- Red wines (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir)
- Prosecco or Brut (Sparkling)
- Gin and Tonic (made with Light Tonic Water)
- Vodka and Tonic (made with Light Tonic Water)
8. Don’t skip your workouts
You may be tempted to skip your workouts during the holidays, but don’t! Keeping up with your exercise regimen is important for:
- Relieving stress
- Keeping metabolism up
- Balancing blood sugar
- Protecting your immune system
- Managing your weight
If you view your workouts as something that will protect your health and happiness throughout the holiday season, you’re more likely to stick with it!
How do you stay on track with your health goals during the holiday season?
