The holiday season is a wonderful time of year, but it can also be challenging when it comes to healthy eating. With an abundance of festive treats and large family meals, it’s easy to overindulge and find yourself feeling sluggish and unhealthy.

But it doesn’t have to be this way! Here are 10 tips to help you maintain a healthy diet during the holiday season.

1. Plan ahead

Before attending any holiday gatherings, plan your meals for the day. Stick to regular mealtimes and eat a healthy snack before heading out, so you’re not ravenous when you arrive.

This will help you avoid mindlessly grazing or overeating once you’re around tempting holiday foods.

2. Choose wisely

When faced with a buffet or large meal spread, choose the healthiest options first. Fill most of your plate with fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

If there are particularly indulgent dishes you’d like to try, take small portions, and savor each bite.

3. Portion control

It’s easy to lose track of how much you’re eating, particularly with so many tasty foods on offer. Use a smaller plate or bowl to help control portion sizes. Also, listen to your body’s signals of hunger and fullness to avoid overeating.

4. Slow down

Eating at a leisurely pace and savoring each bite helps you enjoy your meal and allows your body to register when you’ve had enough to eat. Try putting down your fork between bites and take time to savor the flavors.

5. Be mindful of liquid calories

With so many festive drinks on offer, it’s important to be careful of excess calories from drinks. Opt for lower calorie beverages such as water, herbal tea, or a small glass of wine, and avoid sweetened drinks and cocktails.

6. Stick to your routine

While it’s tempting to indulge during the holidays, sticking to a consistent routine will help prevent overeating and keep your energy levels stable.

Aim for regular meal and snack times each day, and commit to an exercise routine, even if it’s just a daily walk.

7. Prioritize sleep

Sleep is essential for overall health, including healthy eating habits. Lack of sleep can increase hunger hormones and lead to overeating. Prioritize getting enough sleep each night to help maintain a healthy diet during the holidays.

8. Bring a healthy dish

If you’re attending a gathering, offer to bring a healthy side dish or dessert. This way, you’ll have a healthy option to enjoy, and you’re also helping others make healthier choices.

9. Don’t skip meals

If you have a big holiday meal planned, it can be tempting to skip other meals throughout the day to “save” calories. But skipping meals can lead to overeating and poor food choices.

Keep your metabolism going by eating three regular meals along with healthy snacks throughout the day to prevent hunger.

10. Practice self-compassion

If you slip up and indulge more than you intended, don’t beat yourself up. It’s important to enjoy the holiday season and not stress too much about sticking to healthy habits all the time.

Remember, one day of indulgence won’t undo all your other healthy efforts.