Handle Holiday Meals Like a Pro

By Donna Stark

There are no other meals during the year that are as anticipated or as well-known as the meals you will sit down to during the holidays. From the turkey to the ham to all the delicious, homemade side dishes and desserts, holiday foods have certainly earned their reputation. But before you plan to enjoy your dinners this year, you may want to plan for something else instead, like how to prioritize your overall health and wellness during those days. Take a look at some helpful suggestions on how to do so from your local chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic below.

Don't Skip Breakfast

It sure is tempting to skip breakfast on the day of your holiday celebration, especially if you want to save room for the special meal, but that won't do your body any favors. In addition to increasing the risk of fatigue and mood swings, skipping the most important meal of the day may also increase the risk of you overeating later on. So, grab a quick bite to eat when you wake up. Some fruit and yogurt are just enough to keep you going without compromising your hunger later in the day.

Eat Closer to Lunchtime

It's not always about what you eat, but when you eat that matters too! Try sitting down for your holiday dinners in the afternoon because that's when the body is more efficient at burning calories. The later in the evening you wait, the closer to bedtime it will be and the harder your body will have to work to digest the food properly.

Get Moving After Eating

Whether you join in a neighborhood football game or take a walk around the neighborhood, keeping your body in motion after your meals is important. Engaging in some sort of physical activity after eating will aid in digestion, help regulate blood sugar levels, and promote a healthier weight. It's also a fun thing for everyone in the family to get involved with.

Leave Some Leftovers

Just because it's on the buffet table doesn't mean it all needs to be eaten at once. And besides, there is nothing better than holiday leftovers! Try to stay committed to practicing portion control by limiting the number of servings you eat. It may even be helpful to put the leftovers in the refrigerator as soon as everyone has had enough. This will help prevent you from eating too many calories at once and it will give you a couple days' worth of meals.

Healthy Holidays

The simple suggestions above may surprise you by how well they work, so give them a try. There is nothing to lose by doing so, but so much health and wellness to gain. Happy holidays!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Chino Hills, Calif.