Healthy Eating Tips for the Holidays

The holidays are upon us and with them often comes parties and get togethers. While the focus of celebrations are often time spent with family and friends, those festivities often are accompanied by large amounts and varieties of treats and higher fat foods than we wouldn’t normally eat. Here are some tips for keeping your eating in check over the holidays.

1. Bring on the vegetables and eat those vegetables...first.

Eating your veggies first before getting full ensures you are still getting the vitamins, minerals and fiber your body needs during this busy season. Plus – you feel fuller before eating the rest of your meal.

2. Pick your favourite and savour each bite.

Choose only the foods you love and take your time eating. It takes at least 20 minutes for your brain to get the signal that you're actually full. Also by enjoying each bite you're more likely to stop when you've had enough.

3. Make physical activity a thing the day of.

In addition to walking or your regularly Pilates class, consider making winter activities central to your holiday festivities. Sledding and ice skating are two great ways to stay active in colder weather.

4. And finally, lose the guilt.

The holidays should be a time of celebration and relaxation. If happen to eat more than you planned during this holiday season, don't beat yourself up. More importantly, don't let a slip become a fall. Add a bit more physical activity to your day and try to get back to your healthy eating habits as soon as you can.

Click here for more ideas on staying active this holiday season. https://visitguelph.blog/2018/01/25/top-10-things-to-do-in-guelph-during-the-winter/

 Denise Boyd, BSc, Registered Holistic Nutritionist (RNH) with a specialization in Cognitive and Immune Support.