Mississauga and Oakville Pain Clinic offering chiropractic, physiotherapy, massage therapy and orthotic services to residents of Churchill Meadows InMississauga
Mississauga and Oakville Pain Clinic offering chiropractic, physiotherapy, massage therapy and orthotic services to residents of Churchill Meadows InMississauga
The holiday season is synonymous with joy, family, and, let’s face it, food. While indulging in your favorite festive dishes is part of the fun, maintaining a balance between enjoying the festivities and staying healthy can be challenging. Drawing from a wealth of expert advice, including guidelines from the Government of Canada, insights from Harvard Health Publishing, and suggestions from NIH News in Health, here are ten tips to help you navigate holiday eating without compromising on health.
Prepare yourself for holiday feasts by sticking to your regular meal times. If you know a meal will be served later than usual, have a small snack at your normal eating time to prevent overindulgence later.
When attending holiday gatherings, contribute a healthy dish. This ensures there’s at least one nutritious option you can enjoy, and it might also inspire others to make healthier choices.
Pay attention to what and how much you’re eating. Savor each bite and listen to your body’s hunger cues. It takes at least 20 minutes for your brain to register fullness, so eat slowly.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated can help control hunger and prevent overeating. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so moderately and alternate with glasses of water.
Use smaller plates to naturally limit portion sizes. Be selective about what you put on your plate, focusing on the foods you truly love and skipping those that you can have any other time of the year.
Don’t let exercise fall by the wayside. Whether it’s a family hike, a post-meal walk, or a game of touch football, keeping active is a crucial counterbalance to holiday indulgences.
Get creative in the kitchen. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, choose whole-grain over white bread, and opt for healthier cooking methods like baking or grilling instead of frying.
Be cautious with holiday versions of processed foods. If you do choose these items, enjoy them in smaller amounts or find healthier alternatives.
Shift the focus of holiday gatherings from food to activities and socializing. Engaging in non-food-related activities can reduce the temptation to overeat.
It’s okay to indulge occasionally. If you do overeat, don’t beat yourself up. Just make healthier choices in your next meal and keep moving forward.
The holidays are a time for celebration and joy, and food is a big part of that. However, with a little planning and mindfulness, you can enjoy the festive season without compromising your health. Remember, balance is key: enjoy the treats you love in moderation, stay active, and focus on the joy of the season beyond just the food. Here’s to a happy and healthy holiday season! 🎄🍽️🥗
