Holiday party season is in full swing! Whether you are heading to the office party after work or gathering with friends over the weekend, your social calendar is filling up fast. Between party hopping and holiday shopping, it’s important to take time for yourself and stay focused on your health and fitness goals. Here are a few tips to keep yourself on track while still enjoying all the festive fun.
- Do not arrive on an empty stomach- showing up to a holiday party with an empty stomach can make it extremely hard not to overindulge before, during, and after dinner. Try and make healthy choices the morning of the party, having a healthy snack before you go can prevent mindless snacking on the not-so-healthy choices at the party later on!
- Enjoy a variety of food groups- try and add a healthy variety to your plate. Enjoy whole grain crackers with hummus or guacamole for a dip or unsalted nuts for a healthy snack. Try and fill up with fresh vegetables and fruit. For meals choose lean protein sources and trim excess fat from meats. Also go easy on sauces and gravy that can be loaded with saturated fat and sodium.
- Don’t drink your calories- drinks that are mixed with soda contain empty calories and a lot of sugar. Many beers are also high in calories. Eggnog, another holiday favorite is made with milk, eggs, and sugar, that makes it very fattening. Try and stick to water or seltzer and add fresh fruit or a splash of 100% fruit juice for a bit of flavor. Also try and stay hydrated if you are consuming beverages containing alcohol- check out our tips for healthy holiday beverages!
- Bake healthier- if you can, cut the sugar amount in half when baking, and add spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg for flavor rather than salt. Try baking apples with cinnamon and a little bit of sugar as a healthier alternative. Cut down on sugar and calories by skipping out on the whipped cream with your desserts.
- Try and keep your routine and stay active! Just because you have a holiday party later in the day does not mean that you have to skip out on your usual morning workout. With the busy holiday season it can be easy to fall out of your daily routine. Try and set aside time for exercise even during this busy time of the year, especially when you will likely be eating and drinking more than usual.
By Lisa Cassata
