Tips for Eating and Drinking Healthy During the Holidays

The holiday season has already started, and with it comes family reunions, lots of fun, and tons of food. Between going from house to house and the seemingly endless availability of food, most of which can be unhealthy, albeit tempting, your normal routine can be knocked off-kilter, which can bring a whole slew of unwanted consequences, especially if you are on a diet or diabetic. At Signature Medicine, we care about your health all year round, which is why we want to offer these valuable tips for healthy eating and drinking during the holiday season.

Make a Plan and Stick to it

If your dietary needs call for eating at certain times, and dinner will be served at a later time, plan for a healthy snack you can eat at the correct time. This will help you stay on track, as well as make you feel fuller, so you won’t eat as much. Also, we know most holiday food is tempting and delicious, but if you have certain dietary needs, you can offer to bring a healthy dish to complement the meal.

Skip the Carbs and Indulge in Dessert

If you are really looking for a sweet treat during dessert, simply skip the carbs included in the meal, such as potatoes, bread, and pasta, so you can enjoy your treat without the guilt. Another thing to keep in mind is that you shouldn’t skip your regular meals in order to eat everything later. This is unhealthy and can cause you to eat too much. If, by any chance you overindulge, set the guilt aside, and go back to eating healthy at your next meal.

Eat Slowly

We suggest that when you are faced with holiday meals, you should eat slowly. This is because it takes the brain approximately 20 minutes to get the signal that you have eaten enough.

Avoid Alcohol as Much as Possible

Alcohol interferes with your blood sugar, and it also dehydrates you. So, if you must have a drink, do so while you’re eating, and drink as much water as you can.

Get Your Move On

One of the best ways to avert the consequences of eating too much during the holiday season is to get moving. Take walks after meals, make time for some exercise, and maybe even organize a family dance contest after dinner. This will help you with the stress of the season and to burn the extra calories you have eaten.

The holidays can be a hectic time of the year, and you can easily lose track of your scheduled meal times. Don’t be afraid of creating reminders for yourself, use apps, get your rest, and watch out for overeating.

When it comes to our weight loss programs in Newtown, PA, we are happy to answer any questions about losing the weight you gain over the holidays. Simply give us a call and let us know what we can do for you!