Six Simple Healthy Holiday Tips

By: Jayda Siggers

The holidays are, for many of us, a self-validated occasion to fall off our respective lifestyle wagons. And for some, well, we swan dive or double back
flip off our wagon! This is a challenging time of the year, as we eat and drink our way through the holidays.

Here
are 6 simple healthy holiday tips:

1. Stay Active

Let’s be honest, we will all consume more calories/food/sugar than we should over the holidays. To compensate, exercise. Continue your normal workout routine, or adopt a new one. Drag your friends and family out for brisk walk around the neighbourhood after that indulgent meal.

2. Eat at Home

Don’t starve yourself all day in anticipation of the buffet being served at your work holiday party. Eat a meal rich in whole foods at home before you go; you will be less inclined to make poor food choices driven by a ravenous appetite.
Remember to eat breakfast. A nutritious breakfast will set the
tone for your day.

3. Focus on Activities

Plan to meet friends and family for an activity in lieu of a meal. An afternoon of tobogganing or skating will take the focus off the meal and burn calories. Bonus! Too cold? Bust out the board games, get crafty or plan an indoor scavenger hunt. Get creative. Host the activity between major meal times and serve a healthy snack or light meal.

4. Healthy Foods First

When piling the food on your plate, fill up on healthy foods (don’t forget your greens) first then hit the dessert table. Be aware of you portion size.

5. Eat Mindfully

Eat with awareness, not awareness of foods but rather awareness of the experience of eating. Mindful of the smell and taste of your meal. How does the food make you feel? Savour it. Don’t forget to breathe. Take your time eating. Take a deep breathe between bites. Allow your body to feel full before going for a second helping.

6. Stay Hydrated

Drink water, lots of water. Water will dilute the effects of the alcoholic holiday beverages and help flush the extra sugar out of your system and curb those cravings. Water is essential to metabolism.

A Holiday Mantra: All things in moderation.

Jayda Siggers, PhD, has a doctorate degree in Clinical Nutrition.
Currently, she is completing her certification in Holistic Health from
the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York. She blogs at
jaydamomphd.wordpress.com. She is also a Nutrition Counsellor at:
eatwholebevital.com