During the holiday season, many people look forward to time off work, getting together with family and friends, and sharing festive treats. Unfortunately, it can be easy to allow our healthy eating habits to fall by the wayside during this busy time of year, but there are many simple habits that you can implement in your daily life to help you stay on track while enjoying the holiday festivities. 

Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking water before meals can help with weight loss and weight maintenance by acting as an appetite suppressant. This habit may be especially beneficial prior to a large holiday meal. Water can also reduce your calorie intake by serving as a substitute for sugary drinks. 

Incorporate Low-Calorie Foods

People tend to eat more when they see rich and fatty foods, so try incorporating some lower calorie options into your holiday meal. Some low-calorie or lighter dishes might include steamed vegetables, fresh fruit salad, or mashed potatoes without butter.

Chew Slowly

Eating quickly might cause you to eat more than you would if you were eating slowly. If you chew slower, it can help signal your stomach that it is receiving food and aid with digestion.

Don’t Forget to Exercise

Due to holiday travel, you may not be close to the gym that you regularly work out at. However, it is important to maintain consistent exercise during the holidays. Try ice skating, skiing or snowboarding, or taking a walk after dinner as a family.

Limit Portion Sizes

At large family gatherings during the holidays, there are usually extravagant meals with plenty of options. Remember that you don’t have to eat more than you usually do. Try taking a little of each dish to not overfill your plate or overstuff yourself.

Monitor Alcohol Consumption

The holidays are a busy and festive time, so it is easy to lose track of how much alcohol you’re drinking. Try cutting down your alcohol consumption as much as possible. Alcohol is not calorie-free and can often cause you to overeat.

Spend Some Time Alone

Although prioritizing your physical well-being during the holidays is crucial to your overall health, make sure to take some time to yourself. Being surrounded by friends and family can be very enjoyable, but at times, a little draining. Try going for a walk, meditating, or running errands on your own to spend some time to recharge. 

Contact New Life Medical Services 

At New Life Medical Services, we understand that making healthy choices during the holidays may be easier said than done. We pride ourselves in letting patients make healthy choices with our natural biologics products and hope that everyone has a safe and happy holiday season. If you are interested in learning more about our natural biologics products, contact us today.