With the height of the holiday season in full swing, the changes and adversities experienced as a result of the fires this summer may weigh heavily on Lake County residents. This time of year is already so hectic, so it is important to stay in touch with how you are holding up. How you feel plays a significant role in your health.
While the holidays are a time of love and cheer, throwing health out the window in an attempt to enjoy ourselves can cause major stress and anxiety. Among all the other chaos going on, be thoughtful and take pleasure in your eating experience. You can do both at the same time, and this approach is one of the healthiest attitudes to have around eating. No one wants to go one a strict diet, especially during the holidays, but letting yourself go isn’t the solution either. With a few tricks, some planning and thoughtfulness, you can enjoy your favorite holiday foods and still keep healthy habits.
Plan ahead
While running holiday errands and shopping for gifts, you can avoid being tempted by fast food or scarfing whatever is within arm’s reach as soon as you get home by eating beforehand. Keep a bag of nuts in your car or purse for when you are in a pinch and need something to hold you over. Consider this tip when grocery shopping too. You are more likely to stray from your grocery list if you are shopping on an empty stomach.
Some other tips for holiday grocery shopping are not only to plan your meals ahead, but plan your list of supplies ahead. Make a list and check it twice early on so you don’t have to deal with last minute crowded stores. Focus on getting the bulk of your shopping done on the outer edges of the grocery store. That’s where the majority of your fresh produce is, and other less processed items, such as meat, dairy and bakery or deli goods. The aisles are primarily processed, packaged foods.
Tips for holiday parties
Holiday parties are also opportunities to plan ahead. You may want to eat a snack or meal before a holiday party so that you don’t feel the need to fill up on food once you get there. Offer to bring a dish, and pick a healthy holiday recipe that you love so you can be sure there will be something delicious for you to enjoy and feel good about.
If throwing your own party or meal, center the focus of your holiday spread on fruits and vegetables. Guests can fill up on fiber and nutrient-dense dishes without expanding their waistband. Nuts are also a filling snack and a good source of healthy fats. When it comes to dessert, consider splitting heavier items like pie or cake. Fruit and dark chocolate, like chocolate-dipped strawberries, also make a great holiday dessert.
Offering activities gives guests more to do than just eat. Hosts can ask guests to bring their favorite party game, or play charades — a classic that doesn’t require any special materials! You might also consider some crafting or decorating activities for your holiday party, like wreath making.
Be thoughtful
Be thoughtful around the specific foods you choose, and indulge wisely. Wait until all the food is set out to assess what you want to nosh on. You may often find yourself picking between sugary desserts, carbo-loads like bread and potatoes, and alcohol. Pick your favorite holiday treats you can’t do without, and enjoy the rest of the bounty of fruit and veggies!
If you aren’t planning on eating while you are socializing, take your conversation away from the food table to avoid grazing. However, if you are planning on eating, conversing over a meal can be a very pleasurable experience. Eat slowly, and enjoy your conversation. Focus on the conversation at hand, and don’t feel the need to eat constantly throughout. Put your fork down in between bites as you take turns exchanging words, and try taking smaller bites than usual.
Less is more
Smaller forks enable smaller bites. When you take smaller bites, you give your body time to digest and assess as you fill up, sending a signal to your brain that you are full, turning off those hunger cues and causing you to realize you can put the fork down. The same idea goes for your cups and plates. Think smaller sizes for drinkware, with the exception of your water glass — fill that baby up. The smaller your plate, the more likely you are to fill it with an appropriate amount of food. When you have a larger plate, it is easy to end up with the “eyes bigger than stomach” scenario.
Aside from paying attention to portion sizes and dishware, one last tip is to carry mint gum. Chewing gum and having a clean palate will keep you occupied and less inclined to continue munching. Taking care of yourself and your health this holiday will provide the most genuine enjoyment during the season and the New Year to come, so keep these tips in mind as you celebrate with loved ones.
