Thanksgiving is this week! The holiday season is in full swing!
The holidays are packed with friends, family, and fun, but also a never-ending buffet of yummy treats. With all the delicious food surrounding you, it’s tough to want to eat healthily. How can you have a healthy holiday season?
Everything In Moderation
During the holidays, go ahead and dig into your favorite foods! The holidays only come once a year! If you completely avoid certain foods, you may feel left out or deprived. But remember, just a taste will do. What if you are tempted to have more? If you are at a party or special function and want another serving, grab a to-go box. No one will blink an eye if you stash another slice of cake or piece of dessert for later. By doing this, you are controlling how much you eat at one sitting while knowing that you can have some extra later on.
Healthier Substitutes
Sometimes, you indulge a little too much. That’s okay! Next time you are craving something sweet, try fresh, dried fruit. Dried fruit may not seem like it will hit the spot, but it is a great replacement for candy! Dried strawberries, for example, have a similar taste to Twizzlers. Eating dried fruit is an easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth while staying healthy.
Cut Down On Sugar
One of the best things about the holiday season are all of the homemade baked goods! You have the power to cut down on the sugar in your own homemade treats. Start by cutting down a little at a time, so you don’t throw off the texture. You can also try adding dried fruit or chopped nuts instead of sugar if you're feeling extra healthy. If you’re feeling slightly more adventurous, you can try adding cooked vegetables. They don't seem like good replacements, but many vegetables contain sugar and taste sweeter when cooked.
Watch Your Calories
Even though your go-to food is something sweet, that does not mean you are addicted to sugar. Many people tend to reach for something sweet when they haven't had enough calories. If you are in a calorie deficit, you usually go for the quickest source of energy, which is usually sugar or a combination of sugar and fat (like chocolate!).At the end of the day, eat regular meals that feed your body the food it needs for overall health. It's the holidays, let yourself indulge in your favorite sweets from time to time.
