Staying Healthy Over the Holidays - Part 2

Parties and gatherings this time of year can pile on the stress about eating. We can keep our healthy habits in check with a few easy habits.

1. Make Protein the Focus of your Meal

Higher-protein diets increase satiety compared lower-protein diets, meaning you're more satisfied and less likely to overeat. When choosing your meals look for plant or animal-based proteins such as egg-based dishes, sliced meats or cheeses, bean salads or bean or yogurt-based dips, yogurts and nut mixes. Then add the sides of fresh fruits and vegetables, grains or finger foods.

 2. Go Meatless for One Meal a Day

Plant-based foods have been shown to help lower blood cholesterol levels, promote blood sugar control and reduce risk of cardiovascular disease. There are plenty of choices that are an easy swap from meat focused choices such as a black bean burger instead of a beef patty or topping salads with chickpeas instead of grilled chicken or steak. If your holiday parties tend to be meat focused try balancing your day with a plant-based lunch or breakfast.

 3. Stock Up on Sleep

Make a habit out of prioritizing sleep as often as possible. Getting enough sleep helps balance hunger and satiety hormones. Getting less than the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep per night may lead to changes in appetite and mood.

 4. Have One Fancy Holiday Cocktail

If you're a big fan of eggnog, cranberry, or peppermint infused cocktails, enjoy one during your holiday party but keep to just one for the night. Make a switch to something lighter in calories and probably alcohol content such as wine, a dark beer or an alcohol-free beverage like sparkling water.

 For great festive, non-alcoholic drink ideas click here - https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/top-10-non-alcoholic-drinks

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