It’s our favorite time of the year! We love the holiday season, the family gatherings, the parties.. but we all tend to overeat, over drink and regret everything on January 2nd!
We asked our friend, Dr. Nadine Zeeni, Nutrition Specialist, to give us simple tips on how to stay healthy (without depriving ourselves) this holiday season..
Here is what she said..
1. Don’t skip meals. It seems logical: Skip lunch; leave more space for appetizers at the holiday party later. But arriving starved may result in overeating, and drinking on an empty stomach will give you a faster buzz, which is more likely to lead to mindless snacking.
2. Don’t drink your calories. Liquid calories are counted just like the ones you eat. Drink a lot of water to stay well hydrated and avoid holiday cocktails that are made with heavy cream, sweetened juices or sour mixes. Instead, sip a glass of red wine or choose clear alcohols with club soda and a splash of lime, and have a glass of water between each drink.
3. Use Smaller Plates. When your brain sees a full plate, it will automatically register that you will be full by the time you eat all of the food on it.
4. Focus on the holidays, not the food. The holidays are really about spending time with the people we love, creating memories and celebrating traditions. Find other activities to do with your loved ones that don’t revolve around food.
5. Get plenty of sleep. More social activities mean staying up late and getting less sleep. Not getting enough sleep can have a major impact on your health; lack of sleep can contribute to weight gain, cause brain fog and lower immunity, making you more vulnerable to illness.
6. Don’t give up the family favorites, but enjoy them in moderation. Have a few of your favorite treats occasionally, but not every day. Remind yourself that those calories “go on a lot easier than they come off.”