With the holidays coming up, one thing is certain – lazing around at home, while enjoying some time with the family, is sure to bring about the cravings. The fact that there will likely be a few snacks available at all times doesn’t make healthy eating any easier while enjoying the holidays.
Indulging in unhealthy snacks and a frequent take out dinner during the holidays not only leads to excess weight but comes with other health-related issues as well. The good news is, you can have fun, eat delicious food, and still remain healthy during the entire holiday.
Try To Be A Picky Eater
While some may see a picky eater and just being that – too picky – this can actually be something to use to your advantage during the holidays. Don’t eat food just because it is available. Be picky and only try to opt for the foods that you really enjoy. This way, you can avoid eating too much and indulging in food that may not necessarily be good for your body.
Chew Slowly – It Really Helps!
When the beach or other fun is just outside, then having to sit down for dinner can be challenging. Eating too fast, however, is not the best way to go through dinner – this may cause you to overindulge in the food that is served. Instead, try to chew slowly. It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to get the signal that you are full – so after finishing a plate of food too quickly, your brain might not have received the signal yet. In turn, you might find yourself opting for seconds when you are actually already full.
Take A Walk
While we are focused on healthy “eating” habits – this one really falls into the category too. After having a meal, try to take a walk. A brisk walk that lasts for about 15 minutes after you eat can help to improve digestion. The same walk will help to stabilize your blood sugar levels. This can help to avoid a crash later on. A walk will also help to reduce the number of calories you are about to gain after that big holiday meal.
Avoid Skipping Meals
If you find yourself hungry while out during the holidays, there is a much bigger chance that you are going to opt for unhealthy snacks – think a bag of potato chips or perhaps a donut. This is why skipping meals is something you need to avoid completely. When you skip a meal, you will feel hungry later – but eat a meal with appropriate amounts of fiber and nutrients, and you will find yourself feeling full until the time comes for the next meal. This way, you won’t have to suffer through cravings (or worse, give in to them) while out with friends and family.