What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the holiday season? Sweet treats? Holiday parties? Big family dinners? Many events this time of year seem to be centered around food, particularly sweets or heavy, calorie-laden dishes. Some of us view this as a time to indulge and enjoy the season, while others try to avoid temptation with goals like “No Sweets December.” Whatever your approach is to food this holiday season, our nutritionist Dominique has you covered with a few simple tips to help keep you on track.
One of the easiest things you can do to avoid over-indulging is portion control. Dominique recommends filling your plate first with veggies, then adding in meat, starches or bread. So many of us will start with meat, then potatoes or other carbs, and by the time we get to the vegetables, fruit, or salad, there is hardly any room left on the plate. If you add the veggies first, you’re more likely to have a balanced plate and eat a more balanced, nutritious meal.
Another simple tip to keep in mind is to stop eating when you’re full. At holiday gatherings we sometimes will go back for seconds or even thirds, but if you take your time eating and enjoy each bite, you give your body time to recognize that your stomach is full and think twice about going back to load up your plate. This will help you feel satisfied at the end of your meal and hopefully help avoid heartburn, indigestion and the like.
Eyes bigger than your stomach? Teetering between comatose and unbuttoning your turkey pants? Try a digestif. Mint and ginger are both excellent at calming down an uneasy stomach, and in a pinch can be muddled and left to steep in hot water and drunk as a tea of sorts. If you want something more sophisticated, try one of these nine post-dinner drinks from Bon Appetit: https://www.bonappetit.com/story/after-dinner-drinks-to-save-your-stomach
We hope this has given you some ideas for mindful eating while still fully enjoying all that the holiday season has to offer. If you have questions or need more specific help, we are here! Call to get on Dominique’s schedule, she offers both in-person and virtual visits you can do from the comfort of your home or office!
Check back next week for some healthy substitutions and ways to lighten up holiday staples!
