8 Ways To Eat Better This Holiday Season

December 5, 2019

‘Tis the season for happiness and cheer. ‘Tis also the season for cookies, pies and heaping plates of holiday favorites.

People often assume they will put on a few pounds around the holidays, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Eating healthy during the holidays doesn’t have to mean avoiding your favorite pie or only eating boring salads.

BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina’s health coach Patricia Graham says being prepared can help you eat healthy throughout the holiday season.

1. Plan ahead. 
   One of the easiest ways to avoid overeating is to plan in advance. This will allow you to think about which foods you want to indulge in and which foods you want to eat less of. If you’re doing the cooking, find alternatives to your holiday favorites.
    
2. Pack food for traveling. 
   An easy way to eat unhealthy food is to grab fast food on the road or in airports. Graham always recommends her clients pack their own snacks. If you’re flying, you can still pack healthy snacks. Check the Transportation Security Administration website to see the full list of allowed foods.  
    
3. Look at the labels. 
   If you aren’t able to pack your own snacks for traveling, just pay attention to the calorie labels the restaurant provides. These often are found on the menu. Making a healthy choice on the road will give you more room for that special dessert wherever you are going. 
    
4. Go for the pie. 
   Or maybe you prefer the mac and cheese. Whatever your favorite dish is, go for it. But save calories on other foods you won’t be craving the rest of the year.
    
5. Think small. 
   If you want to try it all, go for smaller portions. Split a slice with your kid or partner. Skip the creamy dressing in favor of the healthier option. Leave off sauces. Making smaller swaps can have a bigger impact than you may think. Every little choice to eat something healthier can help, Graham says. For a clear breakdown on how to portion your plate, check out www.ChooseMyPlate.gov.
    
6. Drink water. 
   An easy way to cut unnecessary calories is to avoid sugary drinks. Swapping in water will help.
    
7. Fill your plate with vegetables. 
   Make the vegetables take up the largest real estate on your plate and eat them first. By the time you’re full, you will have eaten mostly healthy veggies and less unhealthy stuff.
    
8. Get in your steps. 
   If you’re traveling away from your gym, just add extra steps into your day when you can. Park at the end of the parking lot. Go for a few extra laps around the store. You don’t have to run a 5K, but get moving whenever and however you can.

The holidays are about finding joy with your family and loved ones. Enjoy your time, but keep moving forward, Graham says. When you eat better, you feel better, and when you feel better, you’ll be up for doing more with the ones you love.