5 Quick Tips for Staying Healthy During the Holidays

1. Track your food
It can be helpful to track your food intake during the holidays because it’s so easy to overeat when our schedules are filled with cookie exchanges, potlucks and other social gatherings. This can be as simple as jotting it down in a journal or using your favorite fitness app on your phone. Simply being aware can motivate you to make healthier choices!

2. Include vegetables for all meals - including holiday parties!
There is nothing wrong with being the one who brings the vegetable plate to the office holiday party. People may not admit it, but I know many will be thankful for a healthier choice. Remember: No matter the holiday it is important to always have 50% of your plate be non-starchy vegetables.

3. One plate
When you are at a social event it is tempting to fill your plate multiple times when food is continuously available. Before going to any gathering, commit to just one plate to help decrease your calorie intake for the evening.

4. Create an exercise schedule
Keeping up with your exercise routine not only helps decrease the holiday weight gain, but also the holiday stress! Exercise is known to help decrease stress levels in people who get there heart rate up on a daily basis. Plus, it is a good excuse to get some  “me” time in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the season.

5. Meet with the Dietitian
While I may not be as popular as Santa in the month of December, I believe meeting with me can be extremely helpful. I believe in the 80/20 rule where 80% of time I encourage you to eat as healthy as possible and 20% of the time enjoy yourself. I am not here to be the Grinch, but more to support you with your nutrition related goals through the holidays!

For more information check out my updated webpage on the Health Suite 110 website. 
Happy Holidays,
Kelsey Nicholson RD, LD