While these two things may not necessarily seem like a natural fit, board-certified holistic health coach Sharon Redman is sharing her healthy holiday eating tips to ensure your season is merry and light!
With the holidays upon us and celebrations, laden with decadent food and drink, around every corner, many of us tend to make poor decisions and can end up overindulging. Studies show that the average American gains eight pounds during the period from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day. It makes sense, given that the holidays are meant for celebrating with family and friends. And food and celebrations are inexorably tied together. But Sharon Redman has some suggestions to help you navigate the season, explaining that some forethought and planning can help you ensure that your first resolution of the new year won’t be to shed those dreaded post-holiday pounds.
Redman explains that you can still enjoy your seasonal favorites—from juicy turkey to buttery mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, mouthwatering gravy and decadent desserts—as long as you do so in moderation and also adopt a healthy eating strategy. She also offers some insights and tips to help you navigate the season.
“It’s all about the right mindset,” she shares. “Eating healthy, fresh and natural foods isn’t depriving yourself. In truth, it is filling your body with the nourishment it needs. It’s an investment in your future.”
One easy change that Redman suggests, if you haven’t done it already, is to ditch the processed foods in favor of whole foods.
“Fresh, nutrient-packed fruits, vegetables and lean meats aren’t boring and tasteless,” she asserts. “They are food the way it’s meant to be enjoyed, without all the processing, additives, added sugar, artificial flavors and preservatives crammed in.”
Another lifestyle change Redman suggests to her clients is preparing yourself for success by adopting meal planning on a weekly basis
“Mindful eating is a crucial part of the healthy eating process,” she explains. “Life can often feel like a high-wire act, when you are juggling work, family and daily responsibilities. I encourage my clients to embrace meal prep as a way to achieve their health and wellness goals, simplify meal planning, manage stress and end their struggle with unwanted weight gain and low energy by eating mindfully.” OS
Start Strong, Stay Strong
“Maintain steady energy levels by starting your morning with a protein-packed breakfast. Protein is essential for keeping you full throughout the day. It’s also a fantastic way to ward off those mid-morning energy crashes that can lead you to indulge in all those sugary holiday treats in the break room at work.
“Power up your mornings with a nutritious meal. Eggs are a classic protein powerhouse. Or try a Greek yogurt bowl, loaded with fresh fruit, nuts and a drizzle of honey—a delicious and nutritious option with a good dose of probiotics and vitamins.
“Plan your breakfasts for the upcoming week and choose recipes that are easy to prepare in advance or require minimal prep time. Investing in your breakfast routine is investing in your long-term health and well-being.”
Fail To Plan, Plan To Fail
“By embracing meal prep, you make healthy eating easy. It’s also a great way to ensure you make good choices in between all those indulgent holiday meals, instead of just grabbing whatever unhealthy on-the-go option is easy or missing meals, which will set you up to make bad choices out of hunger.
“Create a weekly meal plan that focuses on nutritious, low-calorie foods that are high in protein, fiber and healthy fats. Prepare multiple servings of each main dish and sides, divide them into individual servings of each meal, store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator or freezer and you have stress-free, portion-controlled meals that are ready to go at a moment’s notice.”
Healthy, Stealthy & Wise
“To ensure there will be something you can feel good about eating at your next gathering, take matters into your own hands. Offer to bring a bountiful salad and your signature dressing on the side (which will allow you to prepare something light and free of extra sugars and unwanted fat) or cook a healthy dish that is also a crowd pleaser. There are so many great options, from a delicious caprese salad with vine-ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil and a drizzle of balsamic to a medley of roasted veggies or green beans almondine as an alternative to those starchy sides.”.
Graze Responsibly
“With the inevitable array of tempting appetizers and grazing boards at holiday parties, it’s easy to overdo things. Don’t linger near these displays, as you can easily find yourself unconsciously overindulging. Place a few things on a plate, go mingle or sit down and savor the taste. Going back for seconds is always an option. And choose healthier options like veggies and hard cheeses rather than decadent or high-calorie indulgences that can leave you feeling bloated and lead to digestive issues.”
Sipping Strategy
Many festive beverages contain a surprising amount of sugar. While juice and sodas are known offenders, sweet wines and cocktail mixers can be just as bad. Alcohol is also high in calories and lowers inhibitions, which can lead to overindulgence. A good tip to avoid this is to consume a glass of water with lemon between drinks, which will help you feel full so you consume fewer calories, according to WebMD.
Sweet Fix
Many festive beverages contain a surprising amount of sugar. While juice and sodas are known offenders, sweet wines and cocktail mixers can be just as bad. Alcohol is also high in calories and lowers inhibitions, which can lead to overindulgence. A good tip to avoid this is to consume a glass of water with lemon between drinks, which will help you feel full so you consume fewer calories, according to WebMD.
Savor The Taste & The Moment
“The most important thing to keep in mind is that when we eat slowly and mindfully, we get more enjoyment out of our food and our bodies have more time to digest everything properly. After all, we want to savor every single moment of this joyous season.
“Another thing I suggest to avoid the pitfalls of mindlessly overeating and regretting it later is to indulge in a small snack before each event.
“A healthy snack beforehand will curb your appetite just enough so you won’t arrive famished and be inclined to overeat. Choose something high in protein that will keep you full longer, like nuts or some Greek yogurt because it will actually help protect your gut against any alcohol you drink.”
Redman helps her clients cut sugar cravings, make healthier food choices and lose weight naturally. For more information visit, sharonredman.com
