The holiday season is almost here and for some of us may be already in full swing! My tree is up, and my decorations are hung, we’re going to embrace this season full steam – joy is the way to go this December!

Although Christmas may or may not look different for you this year - with the joy comes stress, expectations, and nutrition pitfalls – can we say Christmas cookies?! Snickerdoodles are my downfall! However, you can handle this time of year with grace and ease, if you have the right tools in your toolbox.

Sweet treats, a plethora of holiday cocktails, extravagant family meals, and holiday stress are no match for you!

 How can you navigate all of this, enjoy your favorite foods and traditions, and keep your sanity and health in balance?

1. Don’t skip meals and stay consistent. Skipping a meal with the goal of saving calories prior to a holiday event can often backfire and lead to overeating due to ravenous feelings of hunger. Having a filling snack, such as fruit, string cheese, yogurt or a small handful of nuts, can help to curb your appetite and prevent overeating.
2. Contribute a healthy dish. Ensure at least one nutritious choice is available at potlucks by contributing a healthy dish.
3. Choose your splurges. Scan the buffet or dinner table and choose a couple of holiday favorites to splurge on instead of foods that you can have any other day of the year. Healthy eating patterns come from being less restrictive and enjoying all food groups. Choose healthy portions—you can enjoy larger portions of healthy foods while still being able to enjoy smaller portions of the treats you love.
4. Think the Rainbow! Make a plate look festive by including fruits and veggies. Aim to cover half the plate.
5. Choose drinks wisely. Too much alcohol puts unnecessary stress on the body. Enjoy mindfully during the holidays to stay healthy this winter. Not only does alcohol depress the immune system, but winter cocktails can be packed with sugar and fat. Stick to calorie-free drinks, such as water, tea, or seltzer, instead of high-calorie festive drinks. Alcoholic beverages contribute empty calories and can cause you to make poor judgments with food. If you do choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation, and alternate each alcoholic drink with a glass of water.
6. Visit the people, not the food. Move socializing away from the buffet or appetizer table to prevent mindless eating and grazing.
7. Say no to food pushers (politely). Be polite, but don’t feel guilty. You should feel no shame about wanting to stick to your goals.
8. Savor seasonal treats. Having treats once a year will not make or break your weight. Make sure you take time to really taste and enjoy that special treat when you have it.
9. Eat mindfully! - Until you are satisfied, not stuffed. No one likes that icky, stuffed feeling after a meal. Eat slowly and check your fullness levels while you’re eating. Remember — there are always leftovers!
10. Don’t feel guilty. If you did overindulge, don’t beat yourself up. Just make sure your next meal is healthy and be sure to incorporate exercise into your routine.

Happy Holidays!

We look forward to helping you with your Holiday nutrition and fitness goals!

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