The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes lots of delicious food. While it’s perfectly okay to indulge in your favorite treats, it’s also important to take care of your body and maintain a healthy weight.

The good news is that you can get a head start on holiday indulging by incorporating certain foods into your diet that will help you slim down after the festivities.

1. Leafy Greens

Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens are high in fiber and low in calories. They’re also packed with vitamins and minerals that your body needs to function properly.

Eating a salad or a green smoothie for lunch or dinner can help fill you up and keep you satisfied, so you won’t be as likely to overindulge in less healthy foods.

2. Berries

Berries like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your body from damage caused by free radicals.

They’re also low in calories and high in fiber, so they can help keep you feeling full without adding too many calories to your diet. Try adding some berries to your morning cereal or yogurt, or snack on them throughout the day for a sweet and healthy treat.

3. Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are a great source of healthy fats, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. They’re also packed with protein, fiber, and a variety of vitamins and minerals.

Eating a handful of almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds as a snack can help keep your hunger at bay and prevent you from overeating during meals.

4. Lean Proteins

Lean proteins like chicken, turkey, fish, and tofu are essential for building strong muscles and keeping your body healthy. They’re also low in calories and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Incorporate lean proteins into your meals by grilling chicken or fish, adding tofu to your stir fry, or making a turkey sandwich for lunch.

5. Whole Grains

Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread are packed with fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. They’re also a great source of vitamins and minerals that your body needs to function properly.

Swap out refined grains for whole grains in your meals by choosing whole wheat pasta, brown rice, or quinoa instead of white bread, pasta, or rice.

6. Yogurt

Yogurt is a great source of protein and calcium, and it’s also rich in probiotics, which can help promote a healthy gut.

Eating yogurt as a snack or adding it to your smoothie can help keep you feeling full and satisfied, and it’s also a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without indulging in less healthy treats.

7. Avocado

Avocado is a great source of healthy fats, fiber, and a variety of vitamins and minerals.

Adding avocado to your salads or sandwiches can help keep you feeling full and satisfied, and it’s also a great way to add some healthy flavor to your meals.

8. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and they’re also low in calories. They’re a great source of complex carbs, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Try roasting sweet potatoes as a side dish for dinner, or mash them up as a healthy alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.

9. Water

Drinking enough water is essential for maintaining a healthy weight. It can help keep you feeling full, which can prevent overeating, and it can also help flush out toxins from your body.

Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day, and try to limit your intake of sugary drinks and alcohol.

10. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is a great source of antioxidants, and it’s also packed with healthy fats and fiber. Eating a small piece of dark chocolate as a treat can help satisfy your sweet tooth and prevent you from overindulging in less healthy treats.

Just make sure to choose dark chocolate that’s at least 70% cocoa to get the most health benefits.

Conclusion

Getting a head start on holiday indulging doesn’t mean depriving yourself of all the delicious foods that come with the season.

Instead, try incorporating some of these healthy foods into your diet to help you maintain a healthy weight and feel your best. Remember to practice moderation and enjoy your favorite treats in moderation.