Holiday Food: How to Keep It Healthy
By Virginia Laird
It is time to begin planning for the holiday season. Like many others, I too count down the days of littering my home with fall decor, the smell of pumpkin bread in the oven, and get giddy with anticipation of putting up my Christmas tree. However, nothing is more exciting that looking forward to the lavish buffets that will surely be present at our family gatherings. Health and wellness experts suggest a few tips to help keep you healthy throughout the holidays, including:
- Include a salad on your table
- Eat a light snack prior to attending the party
- Live by the tablespoon rule
Include a Salad on Your Table
Although a salad may not be part of your traditional holiday food list, health and wellness experts admit that adding it to your menu can help you make healthy choices. Research suggests that salad can serve as a low calorie filler, as well as provide plenty of vitamins and nutrients the body needs to stay healthy. While many holiday foods are heavy and may be slower to digest, a salad is quite the opposite. Making sure to add this to your plate can help keep your digestive system on track.
Eat a Light Snack Prior to Attending the Party
While you may be looking forward to the wide variety of junk food that will surely be made available at the holiday parties you plan to attend, health and wellness professionals suggest it is best if you snack lightly prior to the party. Following this advice can prevent you from arriving with a grumbling tummy, which can lead to you reaching for everything in sight. Choosing to eat a light snack, such as veggies, fruit, etc. can help curb your appetite while surrounded by a buffet loaded with tasty, and (slightly) unhealthy holiday goodies.
Live By the Tablespoon Rule
If you are one who demands to taste whatever your taste buds crave while attending your holiday gathering, it may be wise to consider following the tablespoon rule. This is a simple plan which health and wellness experts suggest to help those who choose to give in to the goodness of holiday treats. Simply allow yourself one tablespoon helping of whatever you would like on the buffet. This means no second trips as well. Following this advice can help prevent packing on the pounds, and still allows a little room for tasty treats.
With these tips you are now ready to be in full control of your cravings while enjoying time with friends and the delightful food of the holidays. May your holiday season be full of joy and laughter!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.