A Dietitian’s Guide to Eating Well and Celebrating Well This Holiday Season
The holiday season is a time for celebration, joy, and of course, the delicious food! However, it can also be a time where you might find it easier to overindulge — which, for many of us, can often come with the feelings of guilt or discomfort. The good news is that you don’t have to choose between enjoying the season’s treats and feeling your best. With a little mindfulness, you can savor all the holiday goodness while still maintaining a nice balance.
Here are a few simple tips to help you eat & celebrate well this holiday season.
1. Avoid skipping meals during a day to “make up for it at dinner time” 🍴
It might be tempting to skip meals earlier in the day to make more space for the big holiday feast. However, skipping meals can actually backfire on our intentions. When you arrive hungry, you’re more likely to overeat out of feeling ravenous, which can ultimately lead to us to making less balanced choices. Whether it’s spooning on more mashed potatoes than you would have hoped for, or indulging in multiple rounds of dessert or snacks, what you thought would be a strategy for eating a normal amount in a day actually ends up leading to more food on the plate.
Instead, consider a nutritious breakfast or lunch with protein and fiber to help keep you feeling full and energized, so you can fully enjoy the evening's festivities without feeling overly stuffed.
2. Add colour to your dinner plate 🥗 !
The holiday spread is often packed with indulgent dishes, which is all fun and special, however can always be made a little healthier (and more beautiful) by adding some vibrant fruits and vegetables! Trust me, your guests will be happy to see a little green in the holiday spread.
Consider bringing a fresh salad, roasted veggie dish, or a platter of seasonal fruits to share with your family and friends! These dishes are not only packed with nutrients but also add a burst of color and flavor that can help to complement the more indulgent foods on the table.
3. Switch up your drink choice throughout the evening 🍷
While all the festive drinks are flowing, it’s easy to forget about proper hydration. Alcoholic beverages are often at the center of holiday parties, but it’s important to keep your hydration levels in check.
Try alternating between water, sparkling water, or the occasional non-alcoholic beverage to go along with your favorite cocktails or wine. This helps you stay hydrated, which can prevent that sluggish feeling later on in the evening, and could help you moderate your alcohol consumption overall (especially if you’re one to attend multiple parties in a week!).
4. Savour sweets without judgment 🍰
One of the best parts of the holiday season is all the sweet treats readily available! From cookies, to pies, to decadent desserts, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the temptation. But here’s the thing: the holidays are meant to be enjoyed, and it’s perfectly fine to indulge in your favorite sweets.
Give yourself permission to enjoy the flavors you love…as well as the space to be selective if you need to be! We might be guilted into the pressure of tasting everything; consider instead choosing the treats that bring you the most joy and savor them without guilt!
5. Cherish the moments ❤️
Finally, remember, the holidays are about more than just the food. They’re about creating lasting memories with the people you love. Focus on the laughter, the conversations, and the special moments you share with family and friends. When you shift your attention to the experiences, the food becomes a smaller part of the equation. Relish the opportunity to connect with others, create traditions, and enjoy the simple pleasures of the season. After all, it’s these moments that truly make the holidays magical.
So this season, celebrate with balance, joy, and gratitude.
By staying mindful and incorporating these tips, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: indulging in holiday treats while also feeling good in your body. Here's to delicious meals, cherished memories, and a holiday filled with love and laughter!
Happy Holidays!