Holiday Eating Tips
The holidays often revolve around tasty, mouth-watering, family-cooked meals. BUT more importantly, it is a special occasion for quality time with family and friends, so I will jump straight to the punch. Here are my top five quick tips to keep you balanced during your holiday FEASTivities.
1. Don’t skip meals.Just because you know that huge spread is coming does not mean you need to wait to stuff yourself. Instead, eat a normal breakfast, lunch or dinner in order to keep from overindulging during your big holiday meal.2. Plan ahead.Most of you know what your family will be cooking for the holiday, so go ahead and plan ahead. For those with diabetes, the American Diabetes Association fully supports planning ahead for your holiday meal in order to reduce stress and anxiety around your meal while also keeping your blood sugar in check. Have in your mind the foods that you most want to enjoy today and stick to your mind’s menu.3. Think 4-5.It’s okay to splurge from time to time, but do your very best to divide your plate into food groups such as protein, dairy, fruits, vegetables and grains. So maybe try Grandma’s hickory smoked turkey, salad, Mom’s spiced brown rice topped with some fresh cheddar cheese, cherry cobbler (fruity splurge) and a tall glass of water.4. Use a smaller plate to maintain proper portions.It is true that your eyes are sometimes bigger than your stomach. A study conducted by Cornell University found smaller plates aid in reduced consumption, especially when the consumer is unaware that consumption is being measured. So, opt for a smaller plate for every single family member enjoying the feast. 5. Leftover prep.Leftovers are inevitable during the holidays, but that doesn’t mean you have to pile your leftover plate too high. Treat it like a meal prep, and stick to the proper portion sizes for each food group. This way, you have exactly one more meal; no more and no less.————————————————————————————————–We are also here to help! If you’re ready for support or want more information on holiday eating, drop us an email or give us a call at 877-293-9355 ext. 0!
– CASEY EDMONDS, CHC
Health Advisor | Email Casey
