How to Eat Healthy When You're Surrounded by Holiday Indulgence

The holidays are approaching quickly, which means you’ll soon be at holiday get-togethers featuring rich beverages, multiple mains, and decadent desserts that can disrupt your normal routine and leave you wondering how to eat healthy while still enjoying the season. Most people don’t want to give up holiday foods and parties, so go ahead and enjoy, but make a commitment to celebrate with mindfulness and balance.

How to Eat Healthy During the Holidays

1. Ditch the guilt If you make a choice to enjoy seasonal treats, give yourself permission to savor them guilt-free. Then get right back on track with good eating habits.

2. If you don’t love it, leave it Instead of piling your plate sky high with everything in sight, choose only the foods that you love, and the holiday treats that really excite you. If a food doesn’t thrill you, don’t put it on your plate.

3. Alternate alcoholic beverages with sparkling water Avoiding alcoholic beverages altogether during the holidays may be tough, so when you do imbibe, alternate your cocktails with sparkling water. This will help cut down on calories and leave you feeling hydrated.

4. Say no to food pushers Whether it’s your mother’s famous stuffing or your best friend’s holiday fudge, you might feel bad about refusing homemade treats. Remember you can smile, politely decline, and offer a compliment. They will still feel loved, and you haven’t had to compromise your health goals.

5. Don’t save up calories Skipping meals in order to save up for a holiday party will backfire every single time. I repeat, every single time. Skipping meals can result in low blood sugar, which leads to cravings – not to mention hangry outbursts. Instead of saving up for a big meal, make sure to eat balanced meals and snack on fresh veggies and fruit throughout the day.

6. Don’t bring it in the house Consider keeping your indulgences to parties and events you go out to attend, and keeping holiday treats out of your own house. Instead load your refrigerator and pantry with fresh, healthful foods that are good for your mind and body.

7. Increase good fats  A basic tip when it comes to how to eat healthy is to incorporate healthful fats in each meal and snack. They help you feel fuller longer and can help reduce cravings for sweets. Some good choices include avocados, raw nuts and seeds, almond butter, coconut, and coconut oil.

More holiday recipes and ideas from Vegetarian Times

Get more of what you love from VT. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and sign up for our email newsletters.