It is common that people gain average several ponds during holiday season. Big change of weight in a short time does affect our health!
In order to stay healthy, healthy eating for parents and kids in the Holiday Season is essential. As the majority of us know during the holiday season, we just have too much tempting food and tend to forget about our health and diet, and instead, take the opportunity to over-indulge in every possible way. It is not hard to understand why we face the challenge against unhealthy eating during the holiday season, because food and festivity will always be a major part of the holiday season.
Being health-conscious does not mean that we should not allow ourselves to indulge a little, but we should eat in moderation and maintain a varied diet, by healthy eating we actually can enjoy even more in the holiday season.
Moderation is the key. Let’s try to maintain a healthy diet while having a great time. Here are some practical tips on eating healthily during the holiday season. These guidelines can help us on healthy eating during the holidays and other special occasions.
1. Exercise in holiday
I think that we can involve in a lot of family events and or friends gathering by promoting fun outdoor activities. By this way although different with the workout in fitness centers, we can have a fun and exercising opportunity. Exercise lessens our vulnerability to stress and illness. Keeping up with our fitness habits and doing active things with our family and friends are great ways for staying healthy.
2. Take the focus off of food
Holidays’ message should be focused on celebrating with family and friends. A feast is just a way of celebration. Plan some other activities, for example, bringing some games that get everyone involved, taking pictures, going through the old photo albums, watching the videos of family and friends and telling stories about the good times are some of the great ideas!
3. Cook healthily
We recommend utilizing the healthy ways in preparing food. Instead of frying, grill your food, and use low-calorie cooking oil. Low-fat and low-calorie ingredients are recommended. Prepare vegetable and fruit dishes as many as possible, salads, steaming vegetables are rich in nutrients and flavor. Make veggies a priority and serve them in a variety of creative and tasty ways.
4. Start with a healthy breakfast
Start each day in a healthy, positive way with breakfast because the first meal of the day is a chance to fill in our nutrition. Breakfast with fruit, fiber and calcium also will energize us and help us enjoy the busy holiday season.
5. Eat regularly
In holiday season, we often break our regular schedule; however, regular eating should still be a part of life. Do not skip meals, even before a feast, have some low-fat, healthy snacks such as a cup of soup, a piece of fruit throughout the day, otherwise you will be in danger of arriving there with a large appetite and likely to overeat at the party.
6. Go for small portions
Treat yourself a nice drink and dessert, but always watch your portion. Eat small portions to keep yourself from indulging too much while you can taste and enjoy all the different kinds of food.
7. Eat slowly
It is said that it usually takes about 20 minutes for your brain to get the message from your stomach that you are full. Many times, people eat so fast that their stomachs do not have enough time to tell that they are full. Take time and enjoy the taste of your meal. Take small bites, and chew slowly. By eating slowly, you can avoid overeating.
8. Balance your meals
Veggies and fruit should be at the top of your list, because they are low-fat, rich in vitamins. Fill up your plate with a little of everything. In this way, you will still get to indulge as well as receive balanced nutrients.
9. Eat less sugary foods
Always remember that rich, sugary foods make us crave more rich and sugary foods, which leads to over-indulging in sweets and damage our health. Again take a small portion and not overeat.
10. Limit high-fat items
Overeating fat rich food causes health problem. High fat food items can be found in fried food, cream-based soup, cheese-filled pies, and processed meats etc.
11. Choose beverages wisely
Beverages count. Avoid sugary drinks, alcohol and coffee, which can dehydrate your body. Sparkling water with a twist of lemon is a great alternative to sugary sodas or high-calorie alcoholic drinks. Drink plenty of water. Tea or sugar-free soda is good alternative as well.
12. Prepare healthy snacks
Fill up on raw vegetables, such as carrots or celery, which can make a simple snack in times of temptation. Fruits and nuts are very healthy snack as well.
In addition to making conscious choices while eating this season yourself, make sure to take care of kids. Because food is a particular important part of the holiday season for kids. It is important to teach kids healthy eating tips and manage them properly. For example parents should not let kids eat whatever they want during this festive time of year. In particular, limit the number of sodas your kids drink, since soda has little nutritional value and is rich in caffeine and sweeteners, which can make your kid hyper.
By following these practical tips on holiday eating, you and your family can enjoy special food while keeping a balanced and healthy diet, and have a great time.
Wish you have a healthy, happy holiday from Parents-and-kids.com!
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