It’s no secret that Christmas can be a time of overindulgence when it comes to food. The holiday season is often filled with cookies, pies, rich casseroles, and hearty meals.

This can be a blissful time, but it can also leave you feeling guilty and bloated. Fortunately, there are ways to enjoy the holiday feasts without feeling the regret. Here are ten tips that can help you stay healthy during the holiday season.

1. Pre-Plan Your Meals

One way you can avoid overeating during the holidays is to plan your meals in advance. Knowing what you’re going to eat ahead of time can help you control your portions and avoid temptations that can lead to overindulging.

Before heading out to holiday parties or family gatherings, decide what food you’re going to eat and how much. It can also be helpful to bring a healthy dish to share that you know fits in with your dietary goals.

2. Use Smaller Plates

Believe it or not, the size of your plate can affect how much you eat. Using smaller plates can trick your brain into thinking you’re eating more, and it can help you control your portion sizes.

This can be a simple way to enjoy your favorite holiday foods without feeling the guilt or the need to overindulge.

3. Focus on Protein

During holiday meals, it can be easy to load up on carbohydrates and sugar. Instead, focus on protein-rich foods like turkey, chicken, eggs, and fish.

Protein can help keep you full for longer, making it less likely that you’ll reach for those high-calorie desserts or snacks.

4. Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking water is always important, but it’s especially crucial during the holidays when you’re likely consuming more rich and heavy foods than usual. Drinking water can help you stay hydrated and keep your body functioning optimally.

It can also help you feel full, making it less likely that you’ll overeat.

5. Take Your Time Eating

Eating slowly and mindfully can help you avoid overeating. When you eat too fast, your brain doesn’t have time to register that you’re full, leading to overeating. Take your time to savor each bite, and put down your fork between bites.

This can help you enjoy the flavors and textures of your food, and it can also help you avoid overfeeding your body.

6. Don’t Skip Meals

If you’re trying to save room for a big holiday meal, it can be tempting to skip breakfast or lunch. However, doing so can lead to overeating later in the day.

Instead of skipping meals, stick to your regular eating schedule, and consider having a healthy snack before attending a holiday gathering. This can help you control your hunger and avoid overindulging in high-calorie foods later on.

7. Choose Your Treats Carefully

When it comes to holiday treats, it can be challenging to resist temptation. Instead of depriving yourself of all the delicious goodies, choose treats wisely. Focus on one or two things that you really enjoy, and savor them slowly.

Consider opting for treats that are lower in sugar or calories if possible.

8. Get Moving

Exercise is always important, but it’s especially crucial during the holiday season when you’re likely consuming more calories than usual.

Find ways to get moving every day, whether it’s through a traditional workout routine or simple activities like walks, yoga, or stretching. Exercise can help you burn off extra calories, reduce stress, and keep your body healthy and energized during the holidays.

9. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is all about being present in the moment. During holiday gatherings, it can be easy to get caught up in the excitement and frenzy of the season. However, taking a few deep breaths and practicing mindfulness can help you stay calm and centered.

Mindfulness can also help you make better choices when it comes to food, as you’ll be more aware of what and how much you’re eating.

10. Don’t Beat Yourself Up

Lastly, it’s important to remember that the holidays are a time of joy and celebration. While it’s essential to be mindful of your health and nutrition, it’s equally important to enjoy yourself and savor the moment.

If you do overindulge or stray from your dietary goals, don’t beat yourself up. Instead, remember that you can always get back on track the next day and focus on being kind and compassionate to yourself.