So, we just got back from Thanksgiving and are headed out on another break in a little over a week, how exciting! But lets be honest, we all face the healthy holiday struggle. How hard is it to stay healthy when you get home? Not only are you faced with the challenge of healthy eating when you have access to all your favorites foods that you’ve so sorely missed, but now you have the added hardship of resisting all the holiday season temptations. You suddenly find yourself surrounded by all your favorite festive treats: cookies, pies, brownies, cakes, ice cream – you name it, it’s probably there for the holidays.
I’m here to provide a little help for those who don’t want to completely jump ship on their healthy eating progress!
So, you’re home, and all of your family friends that you weren’t even that close with before suddenly realize how much they love and miss you and insist that you MUST come to their pre-holiday dinner! So, how can you stay healthy when eating at friends’ houses for the holidays?
Healthy Habit #1: Try bringing something you made to the feast! Not only is it polite to bring a dish, but that way you know you have at least one healthy thing you can pick from! Some great ideas include salads or vegetable casseroles. Here’s a link for anyone who wants some options, enjoy!
Healthy Habit #2: Second point to address, and we’ve all been there. You’re SO excited for the dinner you save yourself up all day for the meal – you even skip lunch so you have “more room” when you get there. Warning – don’t. Don’t go to the meal starving, you pretty much are guaranteeing you’ll eat yourself sick, and probably not make the healthiest choices as a result of the food-deprived haze you’ve put your brain in. Do your body a favor and snack on a few fresh veggies or fruits before heading over, that way you have both the mental clarity and will power to resist even the most tempting of junk-foods!
Healthy Habit #3: Feel free to make your own deserts… but healthier! For example, adding eggs to recipes increases the protein and also makes them airier! Feel free to cut down on the recommended sugar, or if not, use a nice, healthy alternative – my personal favorite being light agave nectar. Also, avoid topping your desserts with heavy syrups or pre-made frostings; making your own is so much healthier and less processed, your stomach will thank you for it! For anyone looking for a healthy adaptation of your favorite desserts, make sure to check this site out!
If you follow these three Healthy Habits, you’re guaranteed to succeed in your Holiday Struggles! Happy Holidays to all of my fellow Deacons!