livewellwithlaurenblog
Holidays are filled with cheer, lights, gatherings and sweets. Who can deny the fun-filled time of Christmas and New Years? Unfortunately, it may hard to keep your normal eating habits in line when you are constantly getting off of your normal routine.
Here are some Holiday Hints for better nutrition:
Bring a dish to the party
The host will always appreciate the gesture and now you are sure there is something there that you can snack on. Ideas include:
- Baked/grilled chicken skewers with jalapeno, bell peppers and pineapple
- Hummus and vegetable platter
- Avocado, tomato & cucumber salad
- Smoked salmon on a whole grain triscuit with a spread of goat cheese
Do a mocktail instead of a cocktail
Calories add up quickly especially when you are drinking them. Switch out your alcoholic beverages for a “Mocktail,” basically a beautiful looking & tasting drink, minus the alcohol. Be sure to watch the sugar content of the beverage, you can easily feel hungover the next day, just by over doing added sugar. Instead of the added sugar, use whole fruits and herbs to spice it up. (If you would like to indulge in an alcoholic beverage or two, these guidelines work for cocktails as well) Ideas include:
- Cucumber, cranberry sparkling water
- Muddled cucumber
- Splash of cranberry juice
- Sparkling water (naturally flavored optional)
- Garnish with cucumber slice
- Berry Basil delight
- Muddled raspberry, blueberries & basil
- Sparkling water (naturally flavored optional)
- Garish with a strawberry slice
Have a plan
Scope out all of the food and drink options before making your plate. From there you can decide what you really want to eat. Ensure you leave room for a little dessert if you desire 😉
Socialize away from the kitchen//food table
It is so easy to over eat when the food is right in front of you. Be sure to engage in conversation away from the food to prevent mindless picking.
At the end of the day it is important to remind yourself that it isn’t what is under the tree that matters, it is who is around it.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
With lots of love,
Lauren 🙂