The holiday season is here, and with it comes the temptation to indulge in all kinds of festive treats. But how can you enjoy the holidays without sabotaging your health and wellness goals? That’s where mindful holiday eating tips come in handy.
Mindful holiday eating tips are not about depriving yourself of the foods you love, but rather about being aware of your choices and how they affect your body and mind. Mindful holiday eating tips can help you savor the flavors of the season, while also keeping your nutrition and digestion in check.
One of the experts who knows a lot about mindful holiday eating tips is Lisa Young, a registered dietitian and author of “Finally Full, Finally Slim: 30 Days to Permanent Weight Loss One Portion at a Time“. Young has worked with celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Ariana Grande, and Alicia Keys, helping them achieve their optimal health and fitness.
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Young shared some of her best mindful holiday eating tips with us, and here are some of the highlights:
Start your day with a balanced breakfast
Young says that skipping breakfast can lead to overeating later in the day, especially when you’re faced with tempting holiday foods. She recommends having a breakfast that includes protein, fiber, and healthy fats, such as eggs, oatmeal, yogurt, or avocado toast. This will keep you satisfied and energized until lunchtime.
Plan ahead for parties and events
Young advises that you don’t go to a party hungry, as this can make you more likely to overeat or binge on unhealthy foods. She suggests having a light snack before you go, such as a handful of nuts, a piece of fruit, or a cheese stick. She also recommends that you scan the buffet table before you fill your plate, and choose the foods that you really want to try, rather than loading up on everything. She says that you should aim for a plate that is half filled with vegetables, a quarter with lean protein, and a quarter with whole grains or starches.
Practice portion control
Young says that one of the most important mindful holiday eating tips is to be mindful of how much you eat, not just what you eat. She says that you can enjoy any food in moderation, as long as you pay attention to your serving sizes. She suggests using smaller plates and utensils, filling up on water or sparkling water before and during meals, and taking smaller bites and chewing slowly. She also advises that you stop eating when you’re 80% full, rather than when you’re stuffed.
Indulge in moderation
Young says that you don’t have to avoid desserts or treats altogether during the holidays, but you should be selective and mindful about what and how much you eat. She says that you should pick one or two desserts that you really love, and enjoy them in small portions. She also recommends that you limit your alcohol intake, as alcohol can add extra calories and lower your inhibitions around food. She suggests having one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men, and alternating alcoholic beverages with water or sparkling water.
Stay active and hydrated
Young says that another key mindful holiday eating tip is to keep moving and drinking water throughout the day. She says that physical activity can help you burn calories, boost your mood, and reduce stress, which can all help you make better food choices. She recommends aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day, such as walking, jogging, biking, or dancing. She also says that staying hydrated can help you flush out toxins, prevent dehydration headaches, and curb your appetite. She suggests drinking at least eight glasses of water per day, and adding lemon, cucumber, mint, or berries for some extra flavor.
These are some of the mindful holiday eating tips that Young shared with us. If you want to learn more about her work and her book, you can visit her website at www.lisayoung.com or follow her on Instagram at @drlisayoung.
We hope that these mindful holiday eating tips will help you enjoy the holidays without compromising your health and wellness goals. Remember that the holidays are not only about food, but also about spending time with your loved ones and celebrating life. Happy holidays!