Healthy Holiday Eating

Studies show that the average American gains 1 to 2 pounds during the holiday season. And, those extra pounds tend to become permanent baggage. Year after year, those pounds can add up, and contribute to overweight or obesity later in life.

Although we may not all gain weight over the holidays, there is no question we tend to eat and drink more — and exercise less. With the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, parties and festive traditions, healthy eating and exercise are usually the first things to go.

No one wants to be on a strict diet during the holidays. We want to enjoy the bounty of traditional favorite foods. How can you enjoy the holidays without gaining weight? It’s all about planning ahead and deciding your priorities. Food has such a strong emotional connection for us. It can comfort us, remind us of happy times, and release feel-good hormones in our bodies. This holiday, try not to focus on avoiding all “feel-good” foods. Instead, try to eat less of them, enjoy them more, and make sure your healthy foods stay in there! If chocolate pie is your Christmas tradition, try eating a smaller slice more slowly, savoring every bite. And if you’re still eating all of your vegetables and fiber-rich foods, you won’t be as hungry and will be less likely to reach for a second slice.

Source: WebMD