How to eat healthfully during the holiday season + recipes
The holiday season is often full of sweets, rich dishes, and cocktails. Sometimes it might feel like a challenge to stick to your health goals when there are sweet treats and beverages at every turn. There are ways that you can enjoy your holiday favorites all while staying on track! Rather than looking at this season with an all-or-nothing approach, aim to incorporate whole foods and movement into the mix.
Listed below are some more practical ways you can prioritize your health during this holiday season:
Don’t show up to holiday events hungry. Aim to eat balanced meals and snacks prior to the event which will help decrease the risk of over eating at the event.
Bring a lighter dish for everyone to enjoy! Here are some dietitian approved options: Roasted Root Vegetables Healthier Green Bean Casserole, Pear Salad, Honey Roasted Carrots with Goat Cheese
Many of us are on-the-go during the holiday season. Be ready with a healthy snack when your hunger hits. Here are some ideas that you can easily throw in your bag on the way out the door: Nut Pack, Chomp Sticks, Roasted Edamame, Kind Bar, clementines!
Busy is not the same as active. Prioritize scheduling some time for yourself to get your heart rate up a bit and move your body. We know that when we are physically active, we decrease our stress levels and increase our productivity. Who doesn’t want that during the holiday season?!
Mix in a mocktail. This healthy swap may save you a headache the next day and can be just as enjoyable. Here are two of our faves:
Cranberry Seltzer (1 serving):
One lime Spindrift
¼ cup cranberry juice
Mint leaves
Ranch Water (1 serving):
Lime topo chico
¼ lime (juice)
Tajin for the rim: circle rim of glass with lime, dip glass into Tajin.
Cheers!
Sophie Dolan MS, RDN, LD and Allison Albert, Dietetic intern
