Holiday Season/ 9 Health Care Strategies

2025-12-24 07:51:00, Shëndeti CNA

The biggest problem with the holiday season is that we tend to eat or drink too much during the holidays and then feel sluggish or physically ill, which can then lead to feelings of frustration with ourselves for allowing it to happen (and a miserable day tomorrow).

Developing and maintaining healthy habits throughout your life is essential, especially if you want to indulge a little during the holidays. And it’s okay to want to indulge! Cookies, pies, and other delicious treats are a good part of life. But moderation is key. That’s why it’s important to be mindful of your eating habits, especially during the holiday season.

So in the days leading up to any party, make sure to stay hydrated with plenty of water. Stay away from alcohol. Add extra vegetables and fruits to your diet. Fuel your body with lean protein. Mix some protein powder into a smoothie or drink greens powder with a little juice or water to get some extra vitamins and minerals. Exercise regularly. When you have established healthy habits, the extra sweets that come from going to parties won't have as much of an impact.

In addition, remember the nine holiday practices below to make this a healthy holiday season:

1. Eat before the party

We eat more when we are extremely hungry. Many people think they are "saving" themselves for a party by not eating anything all day so they can enjoy good food, but this is not a good idea, as then you tend to eat too much. So eat a few small but healthy meals before going to the party, to make sure you are not hungry and do not want to eat everything that is on the table. You can also drink a large glass of water before eating, so that your stomach feels fuller.

2. Choose a small plate

If you have the option to choose the size of your plates, don't choose the largest plate available. This will encourage you to fill up on it. Choose a small plate so that your portions are also small.

3. Scan the table

Consider all the foods available before you start filling your plate. You don't want to fill it up, eat everything, and then find out you've missed out on a bunch of your favorite foods. This can lead to you indulging in those missed foods and eating too much.

4. Choose your favorites or something new

Make good food choices. We all have favorites; enjoy them, but in moderation. Or, if your sister-in-law is raving about her newest pecan pie recipe, skip something that doesn't look so good and try pie instead.

5. Choose healthy options

Many hosts will serve trays of vegetables and fruits. Make sure to fill at least half of your plate with these foods. Skip the chips; you can get them anywhere, anytime. And most are just full of carbs and empty calories.

6. Realize that you don't have to finish everything.

Don't force yourself to eat all the new foods you've tried but decided you didn't like. Maybe your sister-in-law's pecan pie wasn't so good after all. Throw it out with care, being careful not to insult her baking skills.

7. Position yourself somewhere else

Fill your plate and walk away from the table. We are more likely to eat when we are standing near the food. Take your plate and go sit on a couch or in another room.

8. Don't stuff yourself.

Maybe your sister-in-law's pie was the best pie you've ever had and you want two or three pieces. Resist the temptation and ask for the recipe instead. She'll feel satisfied and you won't have a stomach ache. Eat only enough to feel full; don't eat so much that you feel full. Remember that you can make the cakes next month and enjoy them again.

9. Avoid or limit alcohol consumption

Not only is alcohol packed with empty calories, it often makes people more prone to snacking. Plus, too much can impair your judgment, making you less likely to overeat. So either drink water or sip a glass of wine slowly throughout the evening.

The holidays are a great time to enjoy friends, family, and good food. If you remember these healthy habits, you'll have a better chance of making it through the holidays in good health. /CNA