It’s no surprise that during the holidays, A LOT of food is consumed. We were curious just how much and what people were eating so we hunted down some interesting facts for you! Some will make you cringe and others will make you laugh!
In all seriousness, the holidays can be a time where all regard to healthy eating is thrown out the window. But being healthy around the holidays doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in your favorite festive treats.
Here are some tips to help you stay on track while enjoying yourself:
- At holiday parties, stand at least an arm’s length away from the snacks so that you’re not tempted to munch while you chat. We all know that we eat more when we’re distracted.
- Eat Soup before the big meal. Soup can make a great first course meal, since the warm broth tends to fill you up.
- Don’t Skip Meals! This might sound counterintuitive, but hear me out. Most people tend to skip breakfast or lunch in order to save all of their calories for the big feast. The problem with this, is that they are so hungry by the time they eat, that they end up eating MORE food and fatty holiday food at that. Instead, eat moderately and snack throughout the day.
- Replace Eggnog with Cider- Eggnog is a Thanksgiving and Christmas time pleasure that only hits grocery stores this time of year, but try and resist the temptation to drink it or if you do, make your own here that has only 72 calories and 7 grams of sugar.
- Get Some Sleep- This might sound strange to you, but a recent study revealed that women who lacked sleep (got less than 7 hours of sleep) feel less full when eating and men tend to have an increased appetite when they don’t sleep enough.
- Choose Wisely- Research suggests that whatever you consume first, you will consume the most of. Whether that’s true or not, choose wisely! Maybe start out with carrots and hummus, something healthy and hardy.
- Remember the BlueZone 80% Rule- This one will require self-restraint…eat until you’re satisfied or 80% full, not until you have to unbutton your pants and throw up.
- Put the Focus Elsewhere- Of course we all love food, but your family gatherings don’t always have to revolve around it. Perhaps you can make ornaments together or start another family tradition.
- Go Easy on the Sauces- Before you pour a lake of gravy onto your potatoes, keep in mind that the gravy is primarily made from the fat and drippings of the turkey. It’s not the best thing for your waistline. Go easy!
- Limit the Alcohol- While most parties include alcohol, keep in mind that those are taking away from the calories you could be saving for a substantial meal. A glass of white wine has 89 calories and a pint of beer has 170 calories.
Most of all, enjoy yourself but don’t put your health on the back burner. Merry Christmas from Savor!!