Healthy Holiday Eating

Holidays are a very special time of year, however, they can also wreak havoc on our fitness and nutrition plans. With all of the delicious calorie-laden delicious dishes that are served up, how do we find a balance between enjoying the food and festivities, yet still making healthy choices that will ultimately benefit our overall plan to stay it and healthy? Check out the tips below that will help you con identity conquer holiday eating...P.S. you can even eat that piece of pumpkin pie you have been craving, guilt-free!

Be Physically Active the Day of the Dinner

It's tempting during the holidays to skip our regular workouts because there is so much going on, however, working out on the day of your holiday dinner can help boost your metabolism and your body will bene it from this long after your workout is over. Even taking a walk after dinner can help to offset the calories of all of the yummy food you eat. Bottom line: Keep moving, your body will thank you for it!

Eat a Small Snack or Meal Before the Big Dinner

Having a small, protein-rich snack about an hour or so before the holiday dinner can really help to prevent overindulging when it comes time to dig in at the main event. Try having a handful of almonds and a piece of fruit or preparing a quick protein smoothie.

Drink Water to Stave Off Hunger

Drinking enough water throughout the day is not only healthy for your body, but it also helps in terms of keeping you feeling full, too. Try having a glass or two of water before your meal, it can help to reduce your caloric intake by as much as 200 calories!

Fill Your Plate...With the Good Stuff

Pile on high the veggies, salads, and protein-rich dishes and your plate will be brimming with good holiday food choices that are way less likely to negatively affect your waistline. Try and give the less healthy options a significantly smaller piece of real estate on your plate and you will definitely reap the bene its after the holidays are said and done.

Don't Deprive Yourself, Either

The holidays are, after all, a time for sweet treats so allow yourself to partake in the dessert or you could find yourself feeling deprived as you watch the rest of the dinner guests devouring their pie a la mode! A great option is a piece of pumpkin pie which packs a whopping 104% of your daily Vitamin A intake! Giving yourself permission to indulge in a holiday dessert will not ruin your figure, it is simply taking time to enjoy a special part of holiday eating, and doing it in moderation.