Healthy Eating Tips For The Holidays

The holiday season can be the toughest time in the world to lose - or maintain weight. Any festive season - whether it be Christmas - New year's day - Thanksgiving - or Passover - shouldn't be an unhealthy season for binge eating. Here are a number of strategies and techniques on how to eat healthy - and avoid gaining those extra unwanted pounds. . 
  
Choose Healthy Foods

Instead of munching on pizzas - chicken legs - cheeseburgers - hash browns - French fries - roast beef or pork - ice cream and cakes - choose to eat healthy food items. Go for foods that have high soluble fiber content - from barley - oats - legumes - apples - carrots - whole grains and a lot more. If you're choosing from a buffet table - sample a wide variety of foods - but serve yourself small portions only. Once you pick your favorite dessert - make it a point to share it with someone. 

Eat Light And Healthy

Instead of eating the usual three heavy meals - eat five or six small meals each day. Remember to eat slowly and listen to your hunger cues. If you already feel full - then pass on the second serving to someone else. Also make it a habit to eat a light and healthy meal before any holiday feast - because you'll be more likely to control your intake afterward.  

Exercise Once The Holidays Are Over

Before and after a holiday event - take brisk walks around your neighborhood - and to make up for the high-calorie food intake during the holiday season - increase your exercise levels too. Regular exercise helps to burn excess calories - reduce stress and reinvigorate your energy levels. 

Drink Less - But Better Wines and Spirits

While you're actually doubling the amount of cash you're spending on wines and liquor during the holidays - it's okay to do this - as long as you reduce the amount you drink. Wine serves as a natural tranquilizer - which helps reduce anxiety and stress. It also provides energy - since it has compounds that aid digestion and stimulate appetite. Red wine - grape juice - dark beer and teas contain elements such as resveratrol and quercetin - which help boost the immune system - fight cancer - and protect against heart disease.

During the holidays - remember to eat slowly. Savor the wonderful seasonal dishes - and take your time to appreciate each mouthful - but do stop eating when you feel completely full. And as you do your holiday shopping - remember to put in a wide array of healthy items into your shopping cart. Buy lots of green leafy vegetables - exotic fruits and fresh nuts - and share them with the rest of the family once you arrive home.