Merry & Nutritious: Santa's Secret to Staying Healthy During the Holidays
Ho Ho Ho! Christmas is a time for celebration and feasting, but it can also be a time for unhealthy eating habits. With so much delicious food around, it's easy to overindulge. But with a little planning and effort, you can enjoy all your favourite Christmas foods without sacrificing your health & goals.
Here are Santa’s top tips (reviewed by a Dietitian - of course!) for staying healthy during the holiday season:
1. Be mindful of your portion sizes. It's easy to eat more than you realise when you're surrounded by so much delicious food. One of the best ways to avoid overeating is to be mindful of your portion size. Fill your plate up first with delicious, colourful salads and vegetables for volume and fibre, before adding your protein and carbohydrates to avoid overfilling on these. Try not to go back for seconds until you've given yourself time to digest your meal.
2. Make sure to eat plenty of vegetables and some fruits. Fruits and vegetables are low in calories and high in nutrients, so they're a great way to fill up without overdoing it.
3. Choose lean protein sources. Lucky for Christmas, its all about lean protein sources, such as turkey, chicken, fish and seafood which are all low in fat and high in protein, making them a great choice for Christmas meals. Alternatively, plant based Christmas’ seem to be the theme for this 2023 - think tofu and all the pulses!
4. Limit your intake of unhealthy fats, simple sugars and processed foods. Unhealthy fats and processed foods are high in calories, simple sugars and low in nutrients. They can also contribute to unwanted weight gain and other health problems. Limit your intake to special occasions with friends and family or opt for healthier swaps (see below my additional tips!)
5. Drink plenty of water. It's important to stay hydrated, especially during the holiday season. Water helps to fill you up, metabolise nutrients & hydrate you. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day - even jazz it up with fresh lemon, lime, berries, watermelon, mint for natural and fresh flavours!
6. Don't be afraid to indulge occasionally. It's okay to indulge in your favourite Christmas foods from time to time, thats what the holidays are meant for (in moderation!). Just be mindful of your portion sizes and don't make unhealthy eating habits a regular routine.
Here are some additional tips for Christmas Nutrition:
Choose healthier versions of your favourite Christmas foods. For example, instead of using whole cream in your eggnog, try using skim milk or low-fat yogurt or, instead of using butter in your mashed potatoes, try using an olive oil based spread such as Nuttelex.
Make your own Christmas treats. This way, you can control the ingredients and make sure that they're healthier. Use low-fat yoghurts, olive oils, whole-wheat varieties. Check out Donna Hay cheese & tomato tart recipe and my twist on a Christmas trifle recipe!
Don't skip meals. Skipping meals can lead to overeating later in the day. Make sure to eat regular meals (and healthy snacks if needed) throughout the day.
Find a balance between enjoying yourself and eating healthy. Christmas is a time for celebration, so don't deprive yourself of your favourite foods, instead be mindful of your portion sizes and don't make unhealthy eating habits a regular occasion.
