Tips For Healthy Eating During The Holiday Season

By: Susanne Myers

The time from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day has to be the
hardest few weeks to stick to a healthy eating lifestyle or any
diet for that matter. We are constantly tempted by sweats,
treats and just way to much food in general. I would like to
share a few tips with you that have helped me in the past to
stay on track between now and the end of the year.

1) Make sure you eat before you go to any holiday gathering. You
know you will be tempted by all sorts of unhealthy but yummy
foods. Make sure you don't go overboard by eating something that
is good for you before you go. Try to make sure you are not
hungry when you arrive, or you will be much more tempted to
overeat as well.

2) Drink some water before you go and alternate higher calorie
drinks like alcoholic beverages, eggnog or hot chocolate with
water while you are at the holiday party. Drinks can have a lot
of hidden calories in them, so watch out. Diet sodas are another
good option.

3) Fill you plate with some "good " foods first. Pick some raw
vegetables, but go easy on the dip. Turkey breast, and lean ham
or pork roast are other good choices. Don't forget a nice plate
of salad with a low fat dressing and some fresh fruit for
dessert.

4) Don't cut your favorite holiday treats completely out. If you
don't allow yourself the occasional small indulgence, you will
be much more likely to break down and binge on all those cookies
and treats. The key is to enjoy small portions or bites of your
favorite foods. If you have a soft side for chocolate chip
cookies then go ahead and indulge, but limit yourself to one a
day or every few days. Of course the same applies if you prefer
cheesecake or gingerbread men. Eat several small meals a day.
This old tip holds especially true during the holiday season. We
tend to skip meals and indulge in one large holiday dinner with
the entire family. Don't starve yourself all day. Get some
snacks in and most importantly start your day with a good,
healthy breakfast. You will be able to enjoy your holiday more
by stabilizing your blood sugar. You don't want to spend the day
being grumpy from not eating for hours, or be the first ready
for a nap after overeating.

5) Use the busy shopping season and burn some extra calories. If
you are heading to the mall, park a little further away, or take
your time and do a round of window shopping all through the mall
before you buy. Every few extra steps that you take count. Just
don't reward yourself afterwards with food. For extra motivation
to get more walking in, consider wearing a pedometer. See http://www.walkingoffthew
eight.com for more information on walking and using a
pedometer.

6) Take some time to relax. The holidays can be a very stressful
season if we let them. Many of us (including myself) tend to
overeat or medicate ourselves with food when we are stressed.
Work in some extra time just for you. Sit in front of the fire
with a good book or your favorite magazine, go get your nails
done, take a bath or go for a walk. Do whatever works for you to
calm you down and help you distress.

Above all, enjoy the holidays and remember they are not only
about food, but more importantly about family spending quality
time together. Treat yourself to some new holiday candles,
listen to your favorite Christmas tunes, or go for a drive
through a lit up neighborhood this year. Have fun during this
special time of the year and enjoy that occasional cookie.

Happy Holidays!

About the author:
Susanne Myers together with Christine Steendahl, owns and
publishes the Healthy Menu Mailer. Each week, we provide you
with 7 dinner recipes. Sign up for a free sample menu of healthy recipes.