5 tips for eating healthier during the holidays

How to eat, drink and be healthy.

Let’s consider a few things, holidays are really a time to reflect, give thanks, fellowship with loved ones and to celebrate. However, food typically is the main attraction and a time to — as some may say — “throw down” in the kitchen. Showcasing your best dish will get you family accolades that will go down in the family history books. If you want to still enjoy amazing food this holiday without the bulge, put these five tips in your arsenal for success.

1.Choose Wisely

Think vegetables and proteins first and then add the carbohydrates.

What does that look like?

Protein options: Turkey, ham, beef, beans

Vegetables: collard greens, turnip greens, spinach, green beans, kale, and asparagus

Choose only 1 to 2 of your favorite starches/carbohydrates and eat one serving only.

How does that look?

Mac and cheese and candied yams or potato salad and rice.

2. Opt for water and save those calories for dessert.

Yep, it is so easy to drink our calories but we are making smart decisions so that we can eat some of the things we really want.

3. Cooking with less butter and add an alternative healthy oil

Butter is quite delicious and yummy; but you can opt half butter with a good oil like coconut, avocado or grapeseed oil in your recipes and save on saturated fat consumption.

4. Reduce sugary foods

Who doesn’t love dessert, but sugar can be our biggest enemy as it relates to weight loss.  Since we are choosing wisely remember to eat just one dessert, this can be difficult. Or maybe eat a small bite of three of your favorites.

5. Prepare a hardy salad filled with nuts, berries and veggies

Having other healthier alternatives during the holidays is a great way to satisfy your cravings, fill your belly and still enjoy traditional holiday favorites.