HEALTHY EATING DURING THE HOLIDAYS
With the holidays right around the corner, that means so is allll of the amazing festive food! I wanted to share just a few thoughts I have on healthy eating during this season because it can be hard not to want to overindulge, but it also can be hard not to feel guilt or shame if you do! And let me tell you friends, the guilt or shame is not worth it and most importantly, is not what this season is about!!!
Bring a healthy dish to pass. Whenever I go to a party or potluck, I pretty much always offer to make a veggie tray, salad, or some roasted vegetables. This way I know even if I am indulging in some comfort foods, I’m also getting in a serving of veggies to go with it! I always try to fill half of my plate with greens or veggies!!
Eat the foods you enjoy. Eat your favorite foods and pass on the ones you don’t love as much! Part of healthy eating is not dwelling or worrying about every bite you take, but being mindful and enjoying the delicious holiday food that you probably only get to enjoy once or twice a year!
Wait a little bit before grabbing seconds. Like at least 10 minutes. This will give your brain the time it needs to tell your stomach if it’s full, which helps immensely to not overeat and feel wayyy too stuffed afterward. If there was something that didn’t fit on my plate, I’ll just pack it up along with a few leftovers to take home, then I can have it for lunch the next day and not feel like I missed out!
Bake a healthier sweet treat. I also love to bring a healthier dessert, so if I’m still craving something sweet after dinner, (which let’s be honest…I pretty much always am! Haha) I can indulge knowing it’s made with wholesome and healthy ingredients! Like these paleo apple crumb bars or pumpkin pie squares! Sooo good!!
Get your body moving. Get out for a walk with your family or your dog, get a quick work out in, or just do some cleaning around the house before family comes over! Not because you have to, but just because it feels good to get some physical activity in before or after having some hearty meals!
Be mindful and practice gratitude. A healthy mindset goes hand-in-hand with healthy eating. Relax and focus on what truly matters this season, spending quality time with your loved ones and being thankful for what you have, rather than if you had two servings of pie or mashed potatoes. We should never feel bad for nourishing our body and our SOUL.
Do you have any thoughts or tips on healthy eating during the holidays? We’d love to hear them down below!
A few of my favorite healthy thanksgiving recipes:
How to Cook a Turkey Perfectly (with Gravy) by 40 Aprons
Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole by Eating Bird Food
Best Paleo Stuffing by 40 Aprons
Apple Cranberry Sauce by Spoonful of Flavor
Roasted Fall Vegetables by Taste and See
Healthy Pumpkin Pie Squares (GF & DF) by Healthnut Nutrition