Expert Tips for Healthier Holidays

Colleen Loveland, MS, RDN, LD, CDCES

“I stay strong with my commitment to daily exercise–sometimes with my hectic schedule and long hours it’s just the 30 minutes on my stationary bike late at night. I don’t hit the pillow until I do it. This helps with the increased stress from holiday plans and also burns a few of those excess calories that creep in.”

“I also try to physically walk away from tempting foods and have an alternative available. For example–walk into the break room to find an apple pie…turn around and go back to my office for a few grapes that I brought from home.”

Elana Paddock, RDN, LD, CDCES, CHWC

“If I know I’m going to a party, I am especially careful to balance what I eat that day–more fruits, vegetables and plenty of water so I’m not starving when I get there. I make a point to drink a bottle of water before I leave home.”

“I haven’t met too many desserts I don’t like, but I try to be selective and check out what’s there before trying a little of everything. I especially go for pumpkin treats because they are seasonal instead of year round. I also try to savor every bite!”

Kirstin Taylor, MS, RDN, LD

“Holidays are filled with family, friends and of-course food! With so many family and friend gatherings during the holiday season all centered around food, it can be challenging to stay focused on health goals. I try to focus on sampling a variety of the food offerings and avoid overindulging in each item.”

“Inviting family and friends to go for a walk after a meal is a simple way to get moving and support digestion while still spending quality time together.”

Cynthanne Duryea, RDN, LD

“At a party, I always have one bottle of water between a limit of two alcohol beverages. To make this easier, I always bring a bottle of wine, La Croix sparkling water and Knudsen’s Tart Cherry Juice. That way, I can make myself a spritzer using the La Croix and a splash of tart cherry juice. Other party guests enjoy this as well! I do this at home too….it feels festive and special, instead of simply drinking plain water!”

“Before arriving at a party, I usually have a small snack with protein (such as a Greek yogurt, fruit with cottage cheese or an ounce of nuts). This way, I am not tempted to stuff myself with chips and dips/cheese and crackers, due to excessive hunger.”

“When baking for the holidays, I aim to give away what I bake as gifts and keep only a small amount for me and my family to enjoy. If two dozen cookies are at my house, they will ALL get eaten!”

“Personally, I never alter recipes to be lower calorie or reduced-fat because I like to prepare holiday dishes in their traditional fashion. However, after the holiday is over, I go right back to my typical healthy eating patterns.”

On a final note, a good rule of thumb is to remember to celebrate a holi-day…not a holi-week or a holi-month!” For more information about Cooper Clinic Nutrition, visit cooperclinicnutrition.com or call 972.560.2655.

Article provided by Cooper Clinic Nutrition.