The National Institutes of Health announces guidelines for healthy holiday eating & entertaining
With the coming of the holidays, the National Institutes of Health included guidelines in their November 2016 newsletter to help us make smart choices as we celebrate the holiday season. Thinking ahead and making a plan can help us remain on track with positive health goals such as staying active, avoiding over eating, reducing stress and enjoying positive relationships with others.
If events during the winter holidays cause difficult or stressful times for you, try to engage in and plan activities with people who accept you for who you are and who make you feel happy.
Celebrate the season, stay active, eat foods that you love in moderation and feel good about making holiday choices.
Here is the NIH list for healthy holiday eating & entertaining:
- Enjoy a healthy breakfast to help prevent overeating later in the day
- Eat what’s best for you first. Fill at least half your plate with fresh fruits and veggies. You’ll have less room for the rest
- Bring healthy dishes to the parties you attend
- Fruit all by itself makes an excellent dessert! Try placing a bowl of clementines or apples on the holiday table as a welcoming treat
- Avoid beverages that are high in calories like juices and carbonated beverages. Remember that alcohol has calories too
- Keep a food journal to track what you’re eating
- Instead of focusing on food, spend time with enjoyable family, friends and rewarding activities
- Stay positive – if you eat more on some days, eat less on others. If you miss a workout, exercise a little longer the next day!
So, follow the NIH advice. During this holiday season Be Healthy! Be Happy! and power your path to happiness!
Reference: NIH News in Health, November 2016. Healthy Holidays Food and Fun. Online [available at]: https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/issue/nov2016/feature1 [accessed November 23, 2016].