Today is a day to cherish and spend quality time with family and friends. It is far too often that the holidays shift focus from what is truely important to how much we can eat and over-indulging. Today, I would like to remind you to take a minute to say thank you and I love you to the ones that mean the most to you. If you are looking for ways to stay healthy during the holiday season, here are a few ideas for you:
1. Shift the focus
Take the focus away from food and concentrate more on giving thanks for loved ones around us.
- Focus on the social aspect of the holidays
- Take a walk with your friends/family after you get done eating
2. Before the holiday celebration parties
- Drink lots of water before
- Eat a snack consisting of protein and low glycemic carbohydrate before you go to the party (ie: 1/3 cup hummus and 1 cup raw veggies)
- Offer to bring a healthy dish
- Scope out the options
3. During the feast…
- Eat lots of veggies
- Chew slowly
- Drink lots of water and always carry a water bottle in your hand
- Don’t stand next to the food tables
4. Avoid overeating
- Use the appetizer plate instead of the enormous dinner plates
- Avoid unnecessary second helpings- start with the veggies then the lean protein and lastly the carbohydrate (have seconds in this order as well)
- MINDFUL eating
- Split a dessert with a family member or friend and just have a bite
5. Avoid all the alcohol
Yes. All of it. After aminute you won’t even realize you miss it.
6. Modify your recipes
Check out the Ultimate Substitution Guide on the website, HSN facebook page or Healthy Steps Challenge Page
7. Get a workout in! 🙂
Here is a handout with all the information!
Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at Healthy Steps Nutrition!
