Tips for Eating Healthier During the Holidays! Don't go to a party hungry. We often eat faster and more when we are hungry, therefore, eat a healthy breakfast and lunch on the day to avoid a drop in blood sugar which will cause too over eat in the evening at the party. Watch your portion. Treat yourself to a dessert, chocolate or sweets without guilt, but always watch your portion. Go for small portions. This way you can sample all the different foods. Moderation is always the key. Where there are choices, take a little of many things rather than lots of one thing. This ensures you are getting a balanced meal and not overloading on a fatty food. Your plate should consist of 60% vegetables, 20% starch (pasta, rice, potatoes etc…) and 20% animal protein. Make a conscious choice to limit high fat items. High fat food items can be found in fried food, creambased soup, cheese-filled casseroles, pies, processed meats such as salami and sausages, some pastries and baked goods. Try different versions of eggnog. Traditional eggnog is usually made with egg yolk and thick cream. Check out the internet, there are lots of low fat eggnog recipes. If you buy commercial eggnog, you will be delighted to find low-fat or fat-free eggnog out there. For every glass of alcohol, soft drink or coffee (alcohol and coffee can dehydrate your body) have a glass of water. Water fills you up, has no calories or side effects, is cheap and will help wash out the excesses. Calories from alcohol tend to be stored in the abdomen. People who are overweight actually gain weight more easily when they consume alcohol. Physical activity is the key in reducing stress, reducing those holiday calories and getting your bowls moving. Try taking a brisk walks with your loved ones after a heavy meal. The bottom line is MODERATION. Nobody’s perfect especially during the holidays. Eat little meals throughout the day so your blood sugar wont fall making you very hungry in the evening; watch your portions; eat in moderation; eat a variety of foods; limit high fat foods and if you drink, don’t drink in excess. Ian Harris is a Registered Nutritional Therapist, Natural Nutrition - Clinical Practitioner, Certified Wellness Coach, Certified Food Psychology Coach (Hon), Certified Personal Fitness Chef, Personal Professional Chef and has a Diploma in Nutritional Counselling (Hon). As well, Ian holds many other certification and specialties within weight management, wellness & nutrition and specializes in both Lifestyle & Weight Management and Nutritional & Lifestyle Oncology. 1
Ian recently put his life’s work into practice by losing 55lbs pounds. Ian writes a bi-weekly health column in the Arnprior Chronicle Guide and has written for the Canadian Association of Natural Nutritional Practitioners. Ian Harris has also been heard on local radio and has been featured on local television. A Healthy Tomorrow Starts Today! What Are You Weighting for? – Ian Harris
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