Healthful Holidays

This time of year can be super overwhelming with social gatherings, traveling for the holidays, work events, family affairs, activities with your kiddos, etc. that it’s hard to not indulge TOO much – especially on the fly. I’ve found that I seem to stick to some pretty tried and true behaviors when Thanksgiving and Christmas roll around every year and these good habits tend to turn into a lifestyle change as well long after the holiday season is over. Which is a good thing!

Here are a few tips that I’ve found to be some of the most helpful when trying to stick to a routine as much as you can when life gets hectic:

Pre-Meal Before Dinner

I always make a shake full of vitamins, greens, nut butter, and super foods while I’m out the door and driving to wherever it is that I am meeting people. I keep a stash of straws in my glove box and happily sip my way to dinner and/or drinks. I am typically full by the time I get to where I’m going and often times only order a small side salad or raw veggies with hummus from the appetizer menu, if anything,

Choose Indulgences Wisely

Holiday parties are laden with either a) tons of sugary, chocolaty, sweet treats or b) delicious tasting alcoholic drinks. Instead of kissing your perfect day of eating goodbye by indulging in both drinks AND dessert – try choosing only one. Feel like you need a cocktail or two to relax from long hours? Then go for lighter colored spirits like vodka and tequila or red wine if that’s your thing. Have more of a sweet tooth? Grab a little of the dark chocolate and then step.away.

Be Conscious of the Apps

Most of the time – the best choices on an appetizer tray or menu are the ones that protein based – obvi. Chicken and seafood will be your best bet here. If you’re just in the mood something a bit lighter, again, grab the veggies and hummus but watch your fruit intake! It’s easy to grab a plate full of fruit because it seems ‘healthier’ but beware – that (albeit natural) fructose adds up pretty quickly. Ones to avoid are anything with bread or fried. If you’re too tempted, take your tasty drink to mingle with friends and/or family members to keep you distracted. Remember that you’re there to be social – NOT to lose your cool at the food line!