December is a season of celebration, filled with holiday parties, festive meals, and delicious treats. It’s easy to worry about overindulging and undoing the healthy habits you’ve worked so hard to maintain throughout the year. But here’s the good news: you can still enjoy the holiday season without the guilt or the extra pounds!
Keep reading for heart-healthy tips to enjoy the holidays without gaining weight.
Make Mindful Choices
The key to navigating holiday gatherings is balance and mindful choices. You don’t have to avoid your favorite foods—yes, even cookies can be part of the plan! Start by focusing on portion control and picking healthier options when possible.
Fill your plate with lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains. Eating these types of healthy foods has many benefits for your heart, bones, and mental wellness, plus it can prevent illness. This way, you’ll stay satisfied and avoid the urge to overeat.
It’s okay to leave room for a treat or two. But try not to fill up on foods or beverages that have a lot of sugar in them. Sugar creates inflammation in your body and can lower your immune system. You don’t want getting sick to ruin your holiday celebrations!
Savor Each Bite
Another tip is to eat slowly and savor each bite. It helps you feel fuller and more satisfied with less food while enjoying the season’s flavors. In most cases, weight gain around the holidays is due to snacking before and after your main meal.
Try to avoid sneaking extra calories in between meals. Calories can add up quickly when you’re not paying attention. This is also true when you’re drinking alcohol, which reduces your feeling of fullness and can cause you to eat more than normal.
Drink Water to Fill Up
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. This will keep you from mistaking thirst for hunger. Drinking a glass of water before a meal has been shown to help you avoid overeating by making you feel full faster.
Water is also important to your heart health. This is especially true around the holidays if you’re drinking alcohol or salty foods that can be dehydrating. Dry winter air can also be especially dehydrating, leading to stress on your body.
Stay Active
And don’t forget to stay active! A brisk walk or a quick workout can keep your energy levels up and help burn off any extra indulgences. Aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. That is 30 minutes a day for five days.
It can be hard to keep up an exercise routine around the busy holidays. But it’s just what your body and mind need to combat the stress and calories this time of the year brings.
We Wish You a Happy Holidays!
With a mindful approach, you can enjoy the fun and flavors of December without derailing your healthy lifestyle. So go ahead—celebrate, enjoy those cookies, and still feel great heading into the new year!
Here at HeartCare, we wish you and your family a happy, healthy holiday month. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment for your heart, contact us today.
