The holiday season can be a difficult time of year for anyone who is focused on healthy eating, but it doesn't have to be. Getting into the spirit of the season doesn't have to mean giving up your healthy lifestyle and binging on sweets.
The key is planning and taking small steps to keep yourself on track. Keeping track of your calories, getting plenty of fiber, drinking lots of water, and boosting your activity level all help you stay on course when it matters most.
Moving forward with intention will help you feel confident about your eating habits without having to sacrifice anything. Follow these tips for keeping things balanced this holiday season:
Eat a high-fiber breakfast.
The key to staying within your calorie allowance is making sure you start the day off right. High-fiber breakfast foods will keep you feeling fuller for longer and give you more energy throughout the day.
Foods like oatmeal are great options, as they contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. They’ll also help keep your blood sugar levels stable for a longer period, which can be helpful when overeating holiday treats.
Keeping to a healthy meal schedule is imperative this time of year. A healthy breakfast helps to start the day right and prevents you from overeating during lunch or dinner. Choose foods high in fiber, protein, and vitamins: oatmeal with berries, eggs, black beans, and salsa.
Be mindful of your portion sizes.
While serving sizes have increased over the years, consumption has also risen. This leaves people everywhere feeling like they're eating more than they should. But it's not just that we're eating more; the portions are just bigger to make the food seem more appealing to us.
When you serve yourself a meal, try splitting it in half before you take your first bite. That way, if you still want some more after your first serving, you can go ahead and have a little more without going overboard.
Drink water instead of wine or cocktails.
Many people enjoy the holiday season because of all the celebrations and social gatherings. But if you're conscious about your healthy lifestyle, limiting your alcohol intake can be difficult.
The good news is that it doesn't have to be! Drinking water instead of wine or cocktails throughout the day will keep you hydrated without adding to your caloric intake.
Incorporate exercise into your routine.
Exercise is a great way of allowing yourself to eat without feeling guilty. Incorporate an exercise regimen into your daily routine and you'll be less tempted to overeat during the holidays.
Take care of yourself, physically and mentally.
You can't stay on track with your healthy eating goals if you don't take care of yourself. Give yourself time to relax and unwind.
Take a walk, read a book, go for a run, talk to a friend. When it's time to eat, be mindful of what you're eating. Don't overdo it during holiday parties because that will derail your efforts the next day.
The Easiest Way To Stay Within Your Calorie Allowance
A great way to stay within your calorie allowance during the holiday is by following an already-prepared meal e-guide you can find the perfect one for you here.
Another way is to cook healthy meals, many people connect healthy with something that is not delicious, but this does not have to be the case anymore. You can find delicious and healthy recipes that will keep you full and help you tone your body here.