One of the toughest parts of any holiday is refraining from eating the wonderful food and drinking the tasty beverages that are always available. And this goes for any holiday you celebrate throughout the year. Some people stay away from functional nutrition programs during the holidays or proclaim they will start theirs afterward. But with a conscious effort, you can still enjoy the great holiday food without overindulging and gaining weight as a result. Here are some tips to consider whether you’re hosting or attending a holiday event.
Change Some Ingredients in Food You Prepare
If you’re hosting a holiday event and want to offer healthy food options without sacrificing taste, consider talking with a functional nutrition specialist for ideas and inspiration. Switching to low-fat or fat-free ingredients is a good start, and you could even use a low-sodium broth in place of butter in popular dishes like mashed potatoes. You’ll get the same great taste, but you can feel better knowing you’re offering healthier options to your guests.
Plan Ahead When Attending Holiday Events
One of the most common questions a weight loss nutritionist in San Antonio gets around the holidays revolves around how they can maintain or lose weight when there is so much great food around. A good strategy is to eat a healthy meal of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and protein to start your day. Eat small snacks before you attend the event, so your temptation to overeat isn’t as strong. If you’re part of a functional nutrition program, you can survey the food available and pick out the ones that are part of your diet plan. You can still socialize and indulge in the great foods available, but do it in moderation and be proactive to avoid feeling starved at the event.
Be Conscious of Your Sugar Intake
Sugar is the one ingredient that can lead to weight gain more than virtually any other. Your weight loss nutritionist in San Antonio can suggest different ways to substitute sugar, but the most common is eating more fruits with natural sugars. Even beverages like punch and sweet tea can consist of a significant amount of sugar and can weigh you down if you’re not conscious about how much you consume.
Kay Spears believes everyone can enjoy the holiday season without overindulging in food and beverages. You won’t always attend holiday events with healthy food options, but that doesn’t mean weight gain is inevitable. A good functional nutrition program gives you the tools to plan ahead and know what to look for when you attend these events. Then all you have to do is stick with it and you’ll survive the holidays feeling wonderful. Feel free to contact us at any time to discuss our functional nutrition program or any other aspects of nutrition and weight loss.
