Holidays are a time to enjoy, relax, and spend time with family and friends. However, for many of us, they also bring stress about how to balance our love for food with our desire to stay healthy.

Clinical dietician-nutritionist Nikos Kafetzopoulos has shared some expert tips for healthy holiday eating habits that will help you enjoy the season without compromising your health.

Tip 1: Plan Ahead

One of the most important things you can do to ensure healthy holiday eating habits is to plan ahead. Nikos Kafetzopoulos recommends making a list before heading to the grocery store.

Decide what meals and dishes you’ll be making and what ingredients you’ll need. When you plan ahead, you’re more likely to make healthy choices. Don’t forget to make a schedule for meal times and snack times, so you don’t find yourself grazing throughout the day and overeating.

Tip 2: Enjoy in moderation

Holidays are a time to indulge, but it is important to enjoy your favorite treats in moderation. Nikos Kafetzopoulos suggests choosing one or two festive dishes that you really enjoy and indulging in them.

Don’t deprive yourself of your favorite foods, but it’s essential to enjoy them in moderation and make sure that they fit into your overall plan for healthy eating.

Tip 3: Don’t skip meals

It can be tempting to skip meals to “save up” for the big holiday feast. However, this approach can lead to overeating, as you’ll be starving by the time the meal starts.

Nikos Kafetzopoulos recommends eating a balanced breakfast and lunch on the day of the feast. This will help you avoid overeating and ensure that you’re getting all the nutrients your body needs.

Tip 4: Load up on veggies

A great way to ensure healthy holiday eating habits is to load up on veggies. Vegetables are low in calories and high in fiber, making them an excellent choice for weight management.

Nikos Kafetzopoulos suggests filling half your plate with veggies at every meal. This will help you feel full and satisfied without overdoing it on unhealthy foods.

Tip 5: Choose lean proteins

Lean proteins are an important part of a healthy diet, especially during the holidays. Nikos Kafetzopoulos recommends choosing lean proteins like turkey breast, chicken breast, fish, and legumes.

Avoid fried and fatty meats, which are high in calories and saturated fats.

Tip 6: Be mindful of alcohol intake

Alcohol is often a big part of holiday celebrations, but it’s essential to be mindful of how much you’re drinking. Alcohol is high in calories and can lower your inhibitions, leading to overeating.

Nikos Kafetzopoulos suggests limiting your alcohol intake and choosing lower-calorie options like wine or spirits mixed with a low-calorie mixer. Don’t drink on an empty stomach, and make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

Tip 7: Limit sugary treats

Sugary treats like cookies, cakes, and candy are often a big part of the holiday season, but it’s essential to limit your intake. Nikos Kafetzopoulos suggests choosing one or two treats that you really enjoy and savoring them slowly.

Avoid mindlessly snacking on sugary treats throughout the day as this can quickly add up and lead to weight gain.

Tip 8: Stay active

Physical activity is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, and it’s even more important during the holidays when we tend to be more sedentary.

Nikos Kafetzopoulos suggests staying active by going for a walk after meals or scheduling a family activity like ice skating or hiking. Don’t forget to make time for exercise, even if it’s just a short workout at home.

Tip 9: Get enough sleep

Sleep is often overlooked but is a critical part of good health. During the holidays, it can be tempting to stay up late socializing or preparing for the next day’s festivities, but lack of sleep can lead to overeating and poor food choices.

Nikos Kafetzopoulos recommends getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night to ensure that you’re well-rested and able to make healthy choices throughout the day.

Tip 10: Practice Self-Care and Mindfulness

The holiday season can be stressful, and it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday festivities. However, it’s crucial to take time for self-care and mindfulness.

Nikos Kafetzopoulos suggests taking short breaks to practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation. This can help reduce stress and improve mood, ensuring that you’re able to enjoy the holiday season fully.

Conclusion

Healthy holiday eating habits are essential for maintaining good health and preventing weight gain during the holiday season.

By planning ahead, enjoying in moderation, loading up on veggies, choosing lean proteins, staying active, and getting enough sleep, you can ensure that you’re making healthy choices throughout the holiday season. Be mindful of your alcohol and sugar intake and practice self-care and mindfulness to reduce stress and improve well-being. Follow these expert tips from clinical dietician-nutritionist Nikos Kafetzopoulos and have a happy and healthy holiday season!.