The holidays are a joyful time for people of all religions in all different locations. In addition to the religious aspect of the holiday, people seem more positive. Families and friends get together to share time more often during the holidays. As much fun as get-togethers and parties can be, they can wreak havoc on your diet because they usually involve rich, fattening dishes and sweet desserts. It's possible to eat healthy during the holidays, but it is important to have a plan of action so that you don't fall into the temptation of overeating or eating unhealthy foods.
Step 1
Eat a little snack before you go to any get-together or party. The University of California at Los Angeles's Student Nutrition Awareness Campaign states that a lot of people think they will save calories by going to a party on an empty stomach so that they can eat more there. In reality, if you go to a party hungry, you'll be more likely to eat more of the unhealthy foods. Eat an apple, some celery and peanut butter or a few pieces of cheese before you go. This will help you to feel full so you don't need to eat as much there.
Step 2
Bring a dish for everyone to enjoy to every gathering that you go to. Whether it's a work party or a family dinner, bringing your own healthy dish like a salad, a fruit plate or vegetable dish provides you with one healthy food to eat without looking weird in front of everyone else. UCLA's Student Nutrition Awareness Campaign states that the guests will also genuinely appreciate it if you bring a meal to share. In addition, you may just influence your friends, coworkers or family members to start making healthier choices as well.
Step 3
Socialize more than you eat. The Weston A. Price Foundation states that if you take your focus off of food at a party or event, you will enjoy the company of others more and you will eat less throughout the night. Remember that the holidays are about family and friends, not food. Even if you're eating out at a restaurant with others, get carried away in the conversation and just enjoy your time there instead of thinking about food the whole time.
Step 4
Skip the alcohol completely during the holiday season. UCLA's Student Nutrition Awareness Campaign recommends avoiding alcohol during the holiday season because it states that alcohol provides calories but no vitamins or minerals whatsoever. Instead of drinking alcohol, you can drink water or a diet soda and save those calories for the meal. Drinking even a few drinks during the holidays may cause you to get carried away and eat more food than you know you should.
Step 5
Practice saying no to people more often. During the holidays, everyone loves to offer their homemade desserts and special meals. If you say yes to every offer, though, you're bound to gain weight. The Weston A. Price Foundation states that you can learn to politely refuse food by saying something like, "Thank you, but I'm full," or "No thanks, I've had enough for tonight." This way, you won't offend anyone but you won't get stuck eating extra calories that you don't want to eat just for the sake of another person.
