The holiday season is a time filled with family, friends, and of course, delicious food.

While it can be tempting to indulge in all the festive treats and hearty meals, it’s important to remember the importance of making healthy choices during this time. With a little planning and mindfulness, you can navigate holiday meals without compromising your health goals. Here are some tips to help you stay on track:.

1. Plan Ahead

Before heading to a holiday gathering or meal, take some time to plan your plate. Look for dishes that include lean proteins, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Fill half your plate with these nutritious options, and then allow yourself to enjoy smaller portions of more indulgent foods.

2. Start with Soup or Salad

Starting your holiday meal with a bowl of soup or a plate of salad can help you feel fuller and satisfied, making it easier to practice portion control with other tempting dishes.

Opt for broth-based soups or leafy green salads with a variety of colorful vegetables.

3. Watch Your Portion Sizes

Portion sizes tend to be larger during the holiday season, which can easily lead to overeating. Use visual cues to help you gauge appropriate portion sizes.

For example, a serving of meat should be about the size of a deck of cards, while a serving of carbohydrates should be about the size of a tennis ball.

4. Focus on Protein

Including protein-rich foods in your holiday meals can help you feel full and satisfied, preventing you from overindulging in high-calorie dishes. Choose lean sources of protein such as turkey, chicken, fish, or legumes.

5. Limit Added Sugars

Holiday desserts and sweet treats are often loaded with added sugars, which can contribute to weight gain and other health issues. Enjoy these treats in moderation and try to satisfy your sweet tooth with naturally sweet options like seasonal fruits.

6. Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water throughout the day can help you feel full and prevent overeating during holiday meals. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water each day, and consider having a glass before reaching for seconds.

7. Be Mindful of Mindless Eating

During social gatherings, it’s easy to get caught up in conversations and mindlessly munch on snacks or appetizers. Be aware of your eating habits and try to stay present in the moment. Take small portions and savor each bite.

8. Practice Moderation

The holiday season is a time for celebration, and that includes enjoying your favorite festive foods. Instead of completely restricting yourself, allow yourself to indulge in moderation. Choose a few special treats that you really enjoy and savor them.

9. Stay Active

Incorporating physical activity into your holiday routine can help counterbalance the extra calories consumed during meals. Take a post-dinner stroll with your family, engage in a wintery outdoor activity, or simply do a home workout.

Find ways to stay active that you enjoy.

10. Be Kind to Yourself

Remember that the holiday season is meant to be a time of joy and celebration. If you happen to overeat or indulge more than you planned on certain occasions, don’t beat yourself up.

Practice self-compassion and get back on track with your healthy habits.