Healthy for the Holidays - Part 3: Let's Eat!

Trying to eat properly around this time of year can be a bit tricky. But it doesn't have to be. Here are some great tips to keep your eating aligned with your goals.

1. Don't be scared to bring the veggies. If you know veggies are important for you, then bring them to the gathering. Put them out each meal. Have some ready throughout the days just to munch on. Not only will you feel better, you'll stay fuller longer, stay regular, and be guilt free. ;)
   

2. Don't arrive on an empty stomach. Have a little snack before going to a big meal. A small apple, or celery stalk, a handful of nuts, or a big drink of water with some flavor in it. Don't skip a meal just to overdo it at another.
   

3. Stay away from the snack table. If you offer a counter full of finger foods, or go to a party where it's free for all, take what you like, then bring your plate into another area of the room or another room entirely and stay away from the food table.
   

4. Select small portions. I'm guilty of wanting everything I see! Especially the desserts. So, I stick to small portions.
   

5. Eat slowly. Especially if you have the small portions. Make it last longer. Eating slowly also allows you to taste and enjoy your foods. Chewing and swallowing slowly aids in digestion and gives your brain time to tell your belly its full.
   

6. Avoid access alcohol and snacks. Save the calories for the main meal. Alcohol especially provides many calories, but no nutrients.
   

7. No deprivation allowed. Unless you are on strict doctors orders, indulge a little. Key word is little. Everything in moderation. You will not gain weight from one dessert. But you will if you have it every day at every meal. When we deprive ourselves of a certain thing (unless again, you physically have to), we tend to crave it more. And we all know how that ends...

**These tips can be used in everyday life, not only during holiday gatherings.

Here are a few more tips for you if you are doing the cooking/baking:

1. use fruit puree instead of oil

2. egg whites instead of whole egg

3. yogurt instead of whipped cream

4. baked potato, or sweet potato, instead of mashed with butter/milk

5. homemade stuffing instead of stovetop

6. Cook a lot of veggies! Have options.

Food is a central part of our gatherings here in North America. And, dare I say, all around the world. But in this day and age, our society has so much at its fingertips and we have fallen into glutenous habits, unfortunately. This blog is to just open your eyes to some really easy, simple, tips that you can try. I'm sure a lot of you are already practicing them, so kudos to you. And if you have any other tips to share, please do. send to tracy.jones@summerside.ca and I'll share them with the others!

Merry Christmas to all.

My prayer for you is that you remain healthy and safe with your loved ones for Christmas, the end of the year and the beginning of a new year!

Have a wonderful holiday season!

Tracy