The holidays are here, bringing celebrations, comfort foods, and plenty of temptation to put your goals on hold. But staying healthy this season doesn’t mean giving up flavor or fun. With a little planning and the right recipes, you can enjoy every occasion while keeping your weight loss and wellness goals on track.
- Keep up with your fitness routine. You may not be able to do the same outdoor activities, but there are plenty of ways to work out indoors. If going to a gym is not possible, try an exercise video or a video game that gets you up and moving. Staying in a routine is much easier than starting again.
- Ingredients matter. Replace full-fat ingredients (whole milk) with low-fat alternatives (skim milk) to make your recipes healthier. These easy swaps usually don’t drastically change taste or texture.
- Keep healthy snacks on hand. Staying busy during the holiday season can lead to poor food choices. Keep a 100-Calorie Protein Bar or a pack of Signature Zippers in your car or purse so you have something healthy to munch on.
- Don’t clean your plate. On this issue, your parents were wrong. Eat slowly and stop eating when you feel full. You can always enjoy leftovers the next day.
- Avoid alcohol. Alcohol not only contains empty calories, but it also lowers inhibitions, potentially leading to poor food choices. Sip on water or zero-calorie beverages. If you choose to have a drink, drink lots of water to stay hydrated.