Nutrition Expert Provides Tips For Staying Healthy Over The Food Indulging Holidays

Clinical lecturer of nutrition and dietetics, Christy Tunnel shares six important tips for staying healthy during the food indulging seasons.

First, there was Halloween and the vast amount of candy. Then, Thanksgiving with the turkey and traditional sides. Finally, Christmas dinners and New Year’s Eve celebrations are the last two months of the year that reflect a calorie-laden nightmare for many Americans. But, “all hope is not lost”, says Christy Tunnell, a clinical lecturer of nutrition and dietetics, who believes that planning ahead is critical for good health during the holiday season.

Tunnell lists a few tips for holiday food-indulging individuals.

Remember that not all party food is created equal

“The holidays bring lots of gatherings and are often filled with high sugar and high-fat foods,” Tunnell said. “The key is to fill your plate with enough healthy options to feel full, yet still leave room for smaller servings of some decadent foods. Try to fill 80 percent of your holiday plate with greens, vegetables, and fruit, and allow yourself 20 percent indulgence.”

She also advises that when it’s a potluck gathering, bring your own healthy choice.

“That way you know there will be something delicious and healthy to fill up on besides the food available to you. Don’t deprive yourself, though. The holidays should be about enjoying friends and family, and that includes indulging in great grandma’s famous cheesecake brownies.”

Don’t skip meals

“Sometimes people try to ‘save’ calories for later if they know they have big parties coming up,” Tunnell said. “This is a no-no. You may actually be setting yourself up to binge later. You’ll be extra hungry and have an increased craving for sugars and fats.”

She advises that maintaining a balanced blood sugar level will help make sure you do not overeat. One hour before the party, try to eat a balanced snack (a mixture of protein and carbohydrates).

“Maintain your normal eating schedule, but make your meals 20 percent smaller, to give you the option of indulging in some party foods,” Tunnell said.

Watch out for portion distortion

“Trying just a bite or two of higher-calorie items allows you to get all the flavor, but a fraction of the calories,” she said. “Choosing a smaller plate can also help you keep your portions small. Sitting down on your plate and practicing mindful eating encourages you to slow down and enjoy your food. It will also allow your body the 20 minutes or so to register that you are full.”

Watch what you drink

“If you want to maintain your waistline, limiting your consumption of high-calorie beverages is a great place to start,” Tunnell said. “A cup of egg nog can be about 225 calories, and a cup of hot buttered rum can run up to 300 calories. That’s a lot of extra calories and you’ll likely still be hungry. In addition, alcohol lowers your inhibitions, making it more likely that you’ll overindulge and ditch your nutrition plan.”

She also advises that flavored sparkling water can be a great go-to.

“It is festive and tastes great. If you choose to have alcohol, try ‘nursing’ your drink and having a glass of water after each drink. Studies have found that when people drink more water throughout the day, they eat fewer total calories. Aim for a minimum of 64 ounces per day.”

Commit to making healthy meals and snacks at home

“You may have a dozen holiday parties to attend between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, but when you are at home, make good healthy meals,” Tunnell said. “ Feeling energized during the holidays is just as much about getting the right nutrients into your body, as it is about keeping extra calories at bay.”

In addition, she advises eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and drinking plenty of fluids. Snacks should include healthy protein and some fiber. Cut-up vegetables, cashews, peanuts, raisins, boiled eggs, and dark chocolate can all be part of your healthy snack plan.

Keep a fitness routine

Tunnell said that when juggling social obligations, it’s tempting to let a training regime fall by the wayside. Keeping as much movement as possible in a daily routine will help stave off unwanted pounds. At a minimum, aim for at least one structured training session per week. Even a brisk walk or light jog for 20-30 minutes can give you some quality “me time.”

“Your first hour upon waking, your mind is calm and receptive,” she said. “This is a good time to meditate, do yoga, walk, run or simply deep breathe. People who exercise first thing in the morning are more successful at keeping a regular exercise program.”