Enjoying the Holidays and Your Food!

The holiday season is a joyous time, but can also be a very stressful time as you may need to plan, cook, clean and entertain many guests. This stress can start to affect how you listen to your body, which is why it’s important you take the time to take care for yourself!

You can’t let the hustle and bustle of the holiday season distract you. You can enjoy the holiday season, while also taking care of yourself, and I’m here to help you do just that.

Stay active this holiday season!

Whether you’re traveling for the holidays, or running around preparing to host your incoming relatives, it’s important to take time out of each day to be a little more active. This doesn’t have to be limited to going to the gym, which can be very time-consuming when you’re on a tight schedule. Here are a few quick and easy ways to sneak in a little exercise!

In your hotel room or house, do 10 jumping jacks, 10 pushups then 10 air squats, then back to the jumping jacks for 10 minutes!
When doing your holiday shopping, try to take the stairs whenever possible
If the weather permits, take the party outdoors! A post dinner game of tag can be a great way to move around after eating while cherishing family time together

Enjoy your food mindfully!

Aside from staying active during the holidays, being mindful of your body, what you’re eating, and the manner in which you are eating is also very important. Here are 4 tips to help you stay mindful during the holidays.

1. Mind your plate. When filling your plate for dinner or dessert, take note of the food you are putting on it, being sure you truly desire that food

2. Listen to your body. Take the time to listen to your body’s inner signals as you are getting satiated. Stop eating when you feel comfortably full, you can always wrap up the rest of the food on your plate for later!

3. Enjoy your favorites, without guilt. Don’t avoid your favorites that come around once a year. Avoidance can lead to caving in and then to overeating. It’s much better to eat a portion of something you really want than to give it up entirely. Choose those treats that you don’t typically have year round. Take a portion and enjoy it without guilt.

4. Move the party away from the table. The holidays are all about spending time with your family and friends. It can be easy to get lost sitting around the kitchen table, mindlessly eating. Try moving the party away from the table and taking the focus off of the food!

Healthy Holiday Ideas

A great way to enjoy the holidays in a healthy fashion is by including a variety of wholesome foods in addition to your traditional dishes. Here are some ideas:

Sauté your green beans in extra virgin olive oil as another option for those who don’t love the green bean casserole. Add some salt, pepper and roasted garlic for a delicious dish your guests will love!
Include hummus and vegetables as an appetizer. Hummus is full of healthy fats, and can be enjoyed with an array of vegetables or your favorite whole wheat crackers.
Add a fruit bowl to your dessert list to give you and your guests the opportunity to add it to their plate! Or, you can try my baked pears with toasted almonds and cranberries recipe for a delicious and nutritious dessert! You can find the recipe here.

Making subtle changes doesn’t mean you have to get rid of classic menu items! These tips are just ways you can spruce up your menu without straying too far from your favorites.

Remember, the holidays are about spending time with family and friends, and is not all about the food. So take the focus off of your menu and just enjoy time spent with family!

Your Turn to Take Action: How will you take care of yourself this holiday season? Let me know in the comments below!