Swap This for That: Healthy Food Choices During the Holidays

The holidays are a special time that is meant to be spent with the people you love most. No matter where you are or who you celebrate with, the food is one of the best parts of holiday gatherings. However, extravagant holiday menus can be a double-edged sword. While all that food tastes good, it also can lead to you putting on a few extra pounds. So, what can you do to eat healthier during the holidays? We’ve compiled a list of healthy eating tips for you to try. 

Portion Control Is Important 

As simple as it may sound, controlling the amount you eat is one of the most difficult aspects of eating during the holiday. The first thing to consider is the size of your plate. The smaller your plate, the less food you can fit on it. Now, if you start by filling up with vegetables instead of fried or salty items, you can get full on healthier items.  

Give Yourself Time to Eat 

Even if you come to your holiday meal very hungry, eating slowly can be important to limit the amount of time you eat. If you give yourself at least 20-30 minutes to sit down and eat, you’re more likely to feel full. The faster you feel full, the less likely you are to go back and get seconds of more food.  

Eat Your Favorite Dishes... In Moderation 

Look, it’s the holidays, and a lot of these dishes you may only eat once a year. And many of those foods may not be the healthiest choices if you were to ask a dietitian. But completely avoiding your favorite foods is not a realistic goal. So, even if your favorite dish is high in fat or sodium, go ahead and have some. The key is to make sure you aren’t overdoing it on your favorite items and eat them in smaller portions and mix in healthier options with them. 

We wish all of you a happy holiday season. If you are interested in becoming a NARA member, please contact us to speak with our team and get your application process started.