Healthy Holiday Thriving Guide

Tips for eating well & enjoying yourself during the Holidays!

Eating a good meal with protein and healthy fat BEFORE going to your event will keep you satisfied and blood sugar levels stable, which can also help keep you from overeating and making less than nourishing choices. 🙂
Have a plan!
What will you indulge in? How much will you have? Small tastes eaten slowly are helpful here. Often times we eat/drink our indulgences so quickly we forget to truly enjoy them. When we slow down and allow ourselves to enjoy it, often we find we don’t need so much! It’s a win! Win! You get to have your (small) cake and eat it too! 🙂
Bring your own dessert and/or dish you feel good about eating. Something that nourishes your body and doesn’t leave you feeling stuffed, bloated or heavy.
Bring a water bottle. Drink it. Fill it often. Carry it around. If you’re out at a gathering have a glass of water in hand at all times. This can help deter you from mindless grazing, and over drinking, if alcohol is being served.
Go for a walk or engage in some type of movement after eating if possible, or get the family involved in a game!
If eating out for a gathering:
Have a plan.
Read the menu ahead of time.
What will you eat? Stick to delicious, but healthiest options. Clean protein and steamed veggies are always a safe option
Skip the bread, chips/appetizers before the meal.
Improvise if needed. For example, if it comes with a bun opt out of the bun or ask for a lettuce wrap!
Eat slowly-
Set your fork down for conversation between bites
Pay attention to your body for cues that you are satisfied
Don’t be a plate finisher– restaurant portions are huge, be mindful of that
If alcohol is involved:
Bring your own so you know you have a healthier option. Clear liquor with Pellegrino (Sparkling mineral water or club soda) and lemon/limes or some fruit added is healthiest, Organic wine or wine from Italy or France are good options as well; in moderation. 😉
Be the driver. If you’re driving you can’t drink as much alcohol
Add Pellegrino (sparkling mineral water, club soda) and/or ice to wine and other alcoholic drinks to stay hydrated while drinking
If you overindulge:
Try Fasting! Intermittent fasting can be a great tool when nourishing the body properly. If you overindulge refrain from eating for 12-16 hours after. It’s best to do at night into the next day. This allows your body to digest and rest after a meal rather than working overtime to try to digest food that is continuously being put, which can create inflammation. Fasting can also help balance blood sugar levels, which keeps cravings at bay and can even help balance your energy and mood!
Acknowledge it, and just hop back on track. It’s OK!
Any type of movement always helps us feel better if we accidentally overindulge too. 🙂
Most of all….Enjoy the company! That’s why you are there!

* Wishing you all happy, safe, joyful, healthy holidays! Referring to ALL of the wonderful gatherings that happen around this time of year! 🙂 Anossa!

Simple Health! REAL Food. REAL Life. REAL Simple

* Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly. *