11 Healthy Holiday Eating Tips

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(Last Updated On: May 8, 2020)

This post was sponsored by Optimum Nutrition as part of an Influencer Activation and all opinions expressed in my post are my own. The holidays are a time to be enjoyed, not a time to be stressed about all those delicious eats! Read on to discover 11 healthy holiday eating tips to help you stay on track this holiday season and beyond.

How to eat healthier over the holidays

11 Healthy Holiday Eating Tips

The holidays are coming, the holidays are coming! And while it is “the most wonderful time of the year” it is also the time of year where there is the most wonderful food EVERYWHERE. We seem to celebrate the holidays with ALL of our favorite foods. Even though it’s just about impossible to eat everything, I know we all try. So, how do we stay on track? I mean, we still have to enjoy all our favorite foods, but how do we not eat ALL of everything? How do we avoid the guilt of having that slice of apple pie? How do we not dread the holiday meals for fear of all the calories? As the weather changes, so does our eating habits. For many people, colder weather means a richer and heartier fare, while warmer weather means lighter meals with more fresh.

Well, I have a few healthy holiday eating tips to share today that help me, and I hope they help you too. Because, the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, it’s not a time to stress about what we can’t eat. In fact, I hope these Healthy Eating Tips help you all year long!

Here are my 11 Healthy Holiday Eating Tips:

Don’t Skip Meals

Are you getting ready for the huge holiday dinner by thinking that you should skip breakfast and lunch? Thinking that you are saving those calories? Not a good idea! That typically leads to overeating. Start your day with a protein-packed breakfast like a smoothie or grab some Optimum Nutrition Protein Cake Bites or Protein Crisps, they are a perfect on-the-go option and they have 20 grams of protein. I always stock up when I am at Walmart.

Best Healthy Eating Tips for the holidays

Think Before You Eat

Ask yourself, “Are you really hungry?” Maybe you are just thirsty or stressed? Or maybe those holiday cookies just look really good?

Best Healthy Holiday Eating Tips

Have a Protein Filled Snack Before That Big Meal

It will help fill up your stomach some and assist in the urge to overeat. Grab a handful or two of Optimum Nutrition Protein Almonds. Going to be out of town? Staying with family? Delicious Optimum Nutrition new ready-to-eat protein options are perfect, on-the-go sources of protein to help you reach (and stick to) your goals. Feel free to share your Optimum Nutrition Cake Bites, Protein Almonds and Protein Crisp bars with your friends and family too…you can always restock at the local Walmart for an amazing everyday low price 🙂

Appreciate Your Food

Before you inhale everything on your plate, take a moment to actually inhale. Yes, smell it, appreciate it, relax. Eating is supposed to be enjoyed, just not a way to fill that void in our stomachs.

Slow Down

It’s not a race! The turkey and pie are not going to disappear. Actually chew your food. Put your fork down in between bites, talk with those at the table. Did you know that it takes 20+ minutes for your brain to tell your stomach that you are full? So, slow down….then you may realize you don’t need that 2nd plate.

Eat Your Vegetables

And eat them first. They are good for you and may help you from eating too much of something else. A great winter produce choice is squash. There is a variety of winter squash available – acorn, spaghetti, butternut, pumpkin are just a few. Using winter squash is a low-calorie, low-fat way to add hearty texture and flavor to winter meals. Bake a spaghetti squash (375º for an hour) and top with pesto and pine nuts to create a tasty side dish or roast pumpkin seeds and toss with spices (cinnamon or cumin) to top desserts, salads or add to trail mix.

Stop When You’re Full

I know, you are like…duh! But how many times have you grabbed an extra bite or two..or ten…just because it tasted soooo good. I know I have!

Go Ahead, Have Dessert

I am sure there will be everything from cookies, to cakes, to pies to ice cream and even ice cream pies and cakes! Go ahead, have some! Don’t deprive yourself. Just think about, make it a small slice. Want to try everything? Go ahead. Just have a bite of each one.  You can also consider indulging your sweet tooth with some fruit.  Now that peaches, watermelon, strawberries, and other summer fruits are out of season, turn to apples, pears, pomegranates, cranberries, kiwi, grapefruit, and oranges to satisfy that sweet tooth. Use fall and winter fruits to liven up desserts, salads, grain dishes, breakfast, and snack time.

Drink Water

I know we all may have a cocktail or two this holiday season, but consider alternating with water for two reasons: it will help cut the calories and it will help you from getting dehydrated. Drinking water also helps curb hunger cravings.

Holiday Healthy Eating Ideas

Go for a Walk

Stay active. Resist the urge to sit on the couch after you eat and take a quick cat nap. Walking is one of the healthiest habits you can have! There are studies that say you can ease digestion by taking a walk after a meal. Looking for some fitness motivation? Check out these fitness motivation tips.

Don’t Feel Guilty

Trying to stay on track can stress some people out. The holidays are a time to enjoy. Be sure to do the same! If you over-indulge one day, don’t beat yourself up about it! Maybe try to walk a few extra steps the next day. And if you don’t get those extra steps in, that’s okay too! Just don’t totally through all your health goals out the window because of a “bad” day or two. It’s okay to be human! It’s okay to enjoy all the delicious holiday eats and treats! Just think in moderation.

Holiday Healthy Eating Tips

I hope these Healthy Holiday Eating Tips help you stay on track with your goals this holiday season and beyond!

Healthy Holiday Eating Tips

What is one of your Healthy Eating Tips that help you stay on track over the holidays? Or anytime!

Healthy Eating Tips

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Be sure to check out all my healthy lifestyle recipes on Food Wine Sunshine and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google + and Instagram for more fitness motivation tips.

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