| THE 411: HEALTHY HOLIDAY HABITS
Whether it's that extra belt notch or one more dress size, we all have our concerns about the holiday festivities. With mom's homemade stuffing or grandma's pumpkin pie, eating right isn't always easy. Healthy eating doesn't just have to do with avoiding those extra pounds but also healthy eating habits. Here's the Wellness Center's Top 10 Tips for a Healthy Holiday Season.
1. Make sure to eat balanced meals and not skip meals. If you skip meals you will overeat during your next meal or be more tempted to snack on unhealthy foods.
2. Make sure to eat before going to parties so you aren't as tempted by all the food.
3. Try to stay away from the food tables during parties. That way you don't graze when you aren't really hungry.
4. If you are cooking try to reduce the amount of fat but using alternative ingredients such as non-fat milk or egg whites.
5. Limit the amount of alcohol that you drink. Alternate nonalcoholic with alcoholic drinks. Chose lower calorie drinks (wine over eggnog)
6. Watch your portion sizes. Eat what you want but don't over do it.
7. Try to pick healthy snacks when appetizers are put out. Chose one or two things and put them on a napkin instead of getting a plate.
8. Make sure to drink water. It keeps you hydrated and curbs your appetite.
9. Holidays are about more than food. Focus on your family and the people you are around instead of the food.
10. Overeating one day does not make or break your healthy eating or cause you to gain weight. If you over indulge once don't feel bad, go for a long walk, and try to control your portions for the rest of the holidays.
For more information about having a healthy holiday season, visit The Wellness Center on the first floor of the Bronco Student Center. At the Wellness Center you can pick up all types of information from healthy shopping to healthy eating out. Visit Sara Moore, Health Educator, for additional tips for the holidays and throughout the year. Have a safe and healthy holiday season! http://dsa.csupomona.edu/shs/twc/default.asp |