To conscientious dieters, holidays can pose a challenge to maintaining disciplined, healthy eating habits. Between foods prepared at home and treats at work and parties, the season of holiday food can easily feel like a seasons-long gastronomic binge. In many ways, eating is a social activity, especially during Christmas, as friends and family gather together. Abstaining from indulgences may leave a person feeling like he is missing out on part of the festivities. However, with a little planning and some clever strategizing, it is possible for both treats and healthy foods to be part of a person's Christmas diet.
Home
Healthy eating habits can be easily derailed on impulse during Christmas. Shopping and cooking at home during the Christmas season is at least more under a person's direct control. To reduce the amount of sugar and fat in homemade baked goods, try replacing them, at least in part, with substitutes like calorie-free sugar substitute and applesauce. The nutrition of many baked goods is greatly enhanced by whole grain flour, which is also more feeling. Keeping a food diary can raise awareness of what you are eating during a busy time of year.
Work
Tempting, high-calorie treats are commonly brought to work by colleagues spreading epicurean cheer during the holidays. An effective strategy for avoiding indulgence is to not let yourself get hungry. Bringing nutritious foods from home is essential at this time of year because without them, it's easy to reach for a handful of chocolate or cookies. Foods rich in fiber, protein and complex carbohydrates eaten at regular intervals during the day can boost metabolism and can help reduce cravings. MedLine Plus emphasizes the importance of not worrying excessively after slipping up on a diet, explaining that it is more important to get right back on track and focus on successes.
Holiday Parties
There are many steps a person can take to guard against overindulging at Christmas parties. Eating a nutritious lunch and small afternoon snack can prevent arriving hungry at an evening party. Contributing a healthy dish for the celebration can also give you better control over choices. Using a small salad plate instead of a dinner plate can help to control portion size. Vegetables, meat, poultry and fish are among the best choices if you haven't already had dinner. Eating protein satisfies hunger and may reduce cravings for sweet foods. Eatright.org also recommends limiting alcohol intake and not socializing near the food table, as doing so may encourage unconscious eating.
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