7 Tips on How You Can Eat Healthier During the Holidays

We all know that one of the most important things to maintain a healthy lifestyle is to eat the right foods. And eating healthy also means making sure that we’re not overeating during the holiday season.

Let's take a look at 7 tips on how to eat healthier during the holidays with Christmas approaching!

#1. Get in the spirit of the season!

The holidays are a time when people are often more inclined to indulge, but this doesn’t have to be the case when it comes to your diet. Encourage your family members and friends to eat healthier by joining them in their favorite dishes but ask for modifications. Don’t be afraid to hold the dairy or ask for a gluten-free alternative.

#2. Make it a point to drink lots of water

During the holidays, it’s easy to forget about drinking enough water. Be sure you drink at least 8 glasses of water or other liquids each day for added hydration and weight loss benefits. The best way to do that is by having a dedicated drinking cup. Our favorite is something insulated with a straw. The best we’ve found is the Stanley Adventure Quencher Travel Tumbler – 40 oz insulated tumbler that fits into a standard car cup holder. 

#3. Add protein-rich food into your diet for energy

Whether it’s turkey, ham, or a plant-based protein, protein is an important source of energy in the body. Protein should account for between 20%-40% of your daily calorie intake, and it’s found in many foods such as meat, fish, dairy products, legumes, and plant-based protein bars/shakes. Protein can help you live a healthy life by giving you more energy and keeping you feeling fuller for longer.

#4. Learn to prepare healthy holiday dishes

More than ever it’s possible to find alternative versions of classic holiday dishes that are way healthier. The key is finding  versions that help you hit your health goals and taste good. 

#5. Use your smartphone as a tracking tool

Use your smartphone to track your daily calorie intake through an app, which could help you to understand where your health needs are or are not being met - this will also help you with portion control! The holiday season is notorious for its high intake of fatty foods. Some dishes can contain up to 400% more fat than they would normally contain.

By preparing healthier, lower fat versions of your favorite dishes, you’ll not only be improving your quality of life but also increasing the enjoyment you’ll get out of your holiday season.

#6. Stay active while you eat this season

 Stay active while you eat this season by finding ways that work for you! This includes finding active activities that can be done during lunch break or after dinner with friends or family members. It's even possible to work it into your holiday shopping routine by tracking your steps each day. A great beginning goal is hitting 5K steps a day then working your way up to 10K a day.

#7. Plan ahead

Shop for healthy groceries with a plan in mind so that you have plenty of time to prepare your meals. Keep in mind that not all fruits and vegetables are created equally! In general, the more color on a fruit or vegetable, the better it is for you.