7 Holiday Tips to Maintain Healthy Diet Habits

Video by Jonathan Parrish

The holidays are a busy time of year, filled with many celebrations and get-togethers. These gatherings often include special foods and lots of sweet treats. 

Remember that the holidays shouldn’t sabotage your healthy diet habits.

Here are some holiday tips to help you enjoy a healthier holiday season:

1.  Don’t skip meals, and don’t go to the party hungry. Skipping a meal to save calories before a holiday event can often backfire and lead to overeating because you feel overly hungry. To prevent overeating, have a filling snack, such as fruit and nuts, string cheese, yogurt, or a small handful of nuts, to curb your appetite.

2.  Bring your own dish. Make sure guests have at least one familiar and nutritious choice available. You can’t go wrong with a fruit, vegetable, or cheese tray. Make it festive by arranging the ingredients in a holiday design, like a wreath or tree.

3.  Be choosey. Scan the table or buffet before filling your plate and pick your holiday favorites. Be sure that you splurge on treats you enjoy.

4.  Choose drinks wisely. It is important to continue to hydrate properly throughout the holiday season. Stick to calorie-free drinks, such as water, tea, or seltzer, instead of high-calorie festive drinks. Alcoholic beverages contribute empty calories and can cause you to make poor food choices. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Alternate each alcoholic drink with a glass of water.

5.  Visit the people, not the food. Move socializing away from the buffet or appetizer table to prevent mindless eating. This is another opportunity to bring fun activities to the celebration that don’t include food.

6.  Eat until you are satisfied, not stuffed. Listen to your hunger cues. Prevent feeling overfull after a meal by being mindful and eating slowly. Remember, there are always leftovers.

7.  Move more. Physical activity is one of the most important steps you can take for your health. It helps me stay grounded during this time of year. Physical activity can help you manage your weight, achieve better balance, and reduces the risks of falls and certain health conditions. Here are some ways you can remain physically active during the holidays:

• Be active as a family. Play flag football, hopscotch, hide-and-seek, or whatever activity your family enjoys. A little family-friendly competition is good for the soul. 
• If your neighborhood has Christmas lights, safely walk or bike the area to view the lights instead of driving.   
• Get the entire family involved in doing household chores. Housework is a great way to be physically active. Turn on some music and dance the house clean. 
• Create unforgettable family memories by making it a family affair. Treat your family to a day of physical activity at the skating rink, bowling alley, or a hiking excursion. Take advantage of any “fun runs” that may be offered like a turkey trot or jingle bell run. You can even create your very own family fun run.

For more helpful tips, healthy recipes, and other information, visit extension.msstate.edu and join our MSU Nutrition and Wellness Facebook group.