Healthy Holidays

Getting through the holidays without gaining weight can be difficult, especially with all the delicious temptations we are faced with! (My weakness being the plethora of sweets)  However, there are strategies to save you, or at least guide you in the right direction while attending holiday parties, family gatherings, and the like.

First and foremost, eat before you go to a gathering!!  Often times, we deprive ourselves all day when we plan on eating unhealthy later in the day.  This leads to overindulgence when the food is laid out.  However, with a full belly, you will be less like to overindulge on junk.  Follow this link for more information: Real Simple's Tips on Eating Before a Party

Another tip to follow for healthy holiday eating is bring your own food whenever possible.  By doing this, you know exactly what ingredients were used, reducing your consumption of calories.  Perhaps you can create a healthy option to bring as a munchy.
Try these:

Christmas Tree Crudite Platter

 

 

 This vegetable Christmas tree platter is made up of broccoli, grape tomatoes, pretzel sticks, cauliflower, and yellow bell pepper.  Cut the broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized pieces and arrange accordingly.  Serve it with a healthy version of Ranch Dip.  This is festive and healthy!

Shrimp Cocktail

Bring shrimp cocktail served with a healthy cocktail sauce.  This is low calorie and high in protein, filling you up without the added calories.

For more appetizer ideas, check out Cooking Light !

Another tip to follow during the holidays is everything in moderation.  Choose your indulgences wisely and use portion control.  Don't deprive yourself of Grandma's infamous Christmas cookies! Allow yourself to eat one or two and move on.  The more you deprive yourself, the more likely you will be to overindulge at a later time.

A final tip to help you avoid the holiday weight gain is to continue exercising on a regular basis.  Exercise not only keeps your heart healthy and the weight off, but also relieves stress that often comes with the holidays.  If you don't have time to workout, break it up into 10-15 minute intervals throughout the day.  And don't forget, every little bit helps!

But most importantly, enjoy the festivities and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!