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Nutrition

A Guide to Healthy Holiday Eating

Holidays can be the most wonderful time of the year, but if you’re trying to stay true to your healthy eating plan, you might start dreading the holiday season, knowing it could be an end to your so-far-successful meal plan. The parties last for weeks, the food seems endless and everyone is splurging, so how do you avoid the pitfall and stick to your meal plan?

Here are 3 tips to help guide you in eating through the holidays.

Plan Ahead

The holidays typically are accompanied by lots of parties and social outings, which means food! And good food. You want to attend the get-togethers, but don’t want to sacrifice your meal plan. While you can’t control the food you’re served there are some things you can control to help keep your eating plan in place.

  • Eat close to your usual times to keep your blood sugar steady. If your meal is served later than normal, eat a small snack at your usual mealtime and eat a little less when dinner is served.
  • Invited to a party? Offer to bring a healthy dish along.
  • If you have a sweet treat, cut back on other carbs (like potatoes and bread) during the meal.
  • Don’t skip meals to save up for a feast. It will be harder to manage your blood sugar, and you’ll be really hungry and more likely to overeat.

If you slip up, don’t sweat it. Get right back to healthy eating with your next meal.

Limit the Trips to the Buffet

When you face a spread of delicious food it can be hard not to pile up your plate. You don’t need to avoid the buffet completely, but there are some safety nets you can set up so you don’t overeat.

  • Have a small plate of the foods you like best and then move away from the buffet table.
  • Start with vegetables to take the edge off your appetite.
  • Eat slowly. It takes at least 20 minutes for your brain to realize you’re full.

Treat Yourself

You don’t have to miss out on the fun holiday foods, have your favorite dessert, cook your favorite dish to share, and enjoy it yourself. It can make it more difficult sometimes to stick to your meal plan if you limit yourself to healthy foods only. Have that slice of pie or stuffing, just make sure to slow down when you’re eating to savor it, have a small serving and only one serving.

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Prep For Success With These Meal Planning Tips

Are You Ready to Start Eating Well?

If you are about to start a new nutrition plan, set yourself up for success as you restock your fridge with these easy steps.

Whether you’re switching up your diet as part of a lifestyle change, or you’re about to start cancer treatment and are looking for foods to keep you strong, knowing your goals and having a plan to follow will make it easier to stick to your plan.

Take the Time to Prep Before Jumping In:

  • Make a list. Go through your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer to see what foods you need to add, and maybe which foods need to be thrown out and replaced with a healthier substitute.
  • Half the battle is preparing meals. To help you win, make sure you choose meals with easy prep – even frozen dinners or ready-to-eat cooked foods work for this.
  • Set up a routine for grocery shopping to keep your kitchen stocked with the foods you need. If going through cancer treatment, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Ask your family or friends to help you shop on the days you need rest.
  • Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider. Discuss your goals, or what to expect if going through cancer treatment. They may have recommendations or advice to help you meet your goals and keep you healthy.

Starting Cancer Treatment?

Oftentimes, your doctor or nurse can refer you to a dietitian who will help you choose the best food and drinks specific to your needs during and after treatment.

Eating problems can sometimes be a result of cancer treatment. Because everyone is different, there is no way to know if you will have eating problems from treatment and, if so, how severe the effects are. Eating problems can be mild, but sometimes it’s a little more complicated. It will depend partially on the cancer diagnosis, what part of the body the cancer is at, and the treatment type.

Don’t be alarmed if you do start to develop eating problems. Talk to your doctor, there are many helpful medicines and other ways to manage dietary issues they can walk you through.

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