For many of us, the holidays can feel overwhelming – feasts to prepare, people to see, food to eat, wine to drink. No wonder we all go flocking back to our gym memberships in January. Although there is no secret formula for taking the frenzy out of the modern holiday season, there are little things we can do to bring back a bit of healthy, holiday cheer.
8 TIPS FOR ENJOYING A HEALTHY, HAPPY HOLIDAY
1. Snack smart.
Thanksgiving can easily turn into a day of mindless grazing. Start with a good breakfast. No good comes from kicking off a cooking marathon with an empty stomach. And steer clear of the pre-feast appetizers. There will be PLENTY to eat once dinner is served.
2. Stay hydrated.
A big glass of water is your secret weapon for fending off the holiday “blahs”. When hydrated, you feel more energized and are less likely to overindulge (that goes for both the food AND the wine).
3. Get some fresh air.
Take a break in the action with some time outdoors. A brisk 30-minute walk will leave you feeling recharged and ready to go. And bring someone with you – walking is a great way to enjoy some quiet time with special family member or friend.
4. Share the work.
Just because you can do it ALL doesn’t mean that you should. Give yourself a break this holiday season. Start by asking for help in the kitchen (one word: potluck). So, maybe Aunt Jane isn’t making the cranberry sauce JUST the way you like it. Take a deep breath and remember what is most important. My guess, it’s probably not the cranberry sauce.
5. Introduce new (healthy) traditions.
Just because your great grandmother made her sweet potato with marshmallow dish EVERY YEAR doesn’t mean that you need to do the same. Honor her with your own healthy twist on an old favorite.
6. Pay attention to portion size.
With so many delicious options to choose from, it is easy to overindulge. Start with a little bit of everything – “little” being the key word. You can always go back for more.
7. Pace yourself.
When you sit down to eat, be sure to leave the hustle and bustle of the kitchen behind you. Slow it down. Enjoy your food and the wonderful company around you. That’s what all the work was for, after all.
8. Enjoy the moment.
For too many of us, time with family and good friends doesn’t happen often enough these days. Soak it in and be thankful for all you have.
Good Eats: Heathy Thanksgiving Favorites
Planning your holiday feast and need a bit of healthy inspiration? Try adding a few Eat Life Whole favorites to this year’s Thanksgiving menu.
Roasted Cauliflower Gratin with Butternut Squash
Braised Carrots with Quinoa & Cumin
Warm Black Rice Salad with Apples & Pomegranate
Roasted Pear with Maple Whipped Cream
Also, check out Holiday Eats, our seasonal food guide and recipe ebook. It includes:
The Art of Roasting: a step-by-step guide to making deliciously simple roasted veggies.
Healthy Holiday Recipes: bringing nutritious goodness into many of the old holiday favorites – a tasty reminder that “healthy” doesn’t mean giving up on flavor.
Menu Match-ups: whether it is a hearty dinner or a festive lunch, Holiday Eats offers a few menu suggestions sure to please. For your next holiday gathering, make the most of delicious seasonal foods and prepare:
- Lemon-Herb Roasted Turkey Breast
- Citrus Cranberry Sauce
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Sweet Potato Tart with Toasted Pecan Crust
This holiday season, share the gift of delicious, nourishing foods.
Eat well, be well and enjoy!
