The holiday season is enjoyable because of the time spent with family, friends and food – the biggest part of the festivities. Eating healthy during the holidays is no easy task, especially when confronted with an irresistible home cooked meal. Most of us find ourselves too busy to exercise during the holidays followed by poor meal choices because we’re stressed or rushed. Individuals, who want to enjoy their holidays, yet maintain a healthy eating pattern, can do so through planning.
The African American community suffers the most from high blood pressure and diabetes. Many signs of these diseases can be prevented if healthier food choices are selected, and if we increase our exercise regiments.
Listed below are six holiday eating tips.
1. Don’t Skip Meals. Overeating tends to occur when the body has been starved without food intake. Many think that by missing a meal, they are saving up their allotted calories. Eating a small snack until the main meal will help circumvent the desire to overeat.
2. Have a Game. Plan to eat high-calorie foods moderately and in small portions. Try filling up on lower-calorie foods or bring your own healthy dish to enjoy.
3. Fill Up with Fiber. Vegetables contain fiber which will leave you feeling full and satisfied.
4. Limit Dairy Products. If dairy is consumed try to make sure its non-fat or low fat. Replace whole milk with skim or ice cream with yogurt.
5. Eat Lots of Turkey. Turkey is one of the leanest types of meat, unless it is fried. Stick to broiling, stewing or baking, using a rack so the fat will drip away from the meat.
6. Don’t Diet. Dieting during the holidays is hard. Adhering to a strict eating plan, will allow you to eat the tasty foods, without bingeing. Simply attempt to maintain a healthy weight and keep to a regular exercise schedule.
–christian johnson
