Healthy eating tips for the holiday season

The holiday season is often a time filled with gatherings, potlucks, and indulgent spreads. For some of us, it can feel overwhelming to balance delicious holiday treats with mindful eating. But the good news? There are plenty of ways to enjoy the festivities while making wholesome choices! Here are some simple tips for happy and healthy holiday eating.

Tip 1: think ahead

Arriving at holiday events on an empty stomach can sometimes lead to overeating, leaving us feeling overly full. Instead, try to keep a regular meal or snack schedule. Having a nourishing snack before a gathering can help keep hunger in check, so we can savour our holiday favourites without overindulging. Here are a few snack ideas to consider:

Pro tip: include a source of protein and fibre in meals and snacks to help feel full and satisfied for longer. 

Tip 2: taste the rainbow

Including a variety of colourful foods on our plates is an easy way to help us nourish our cells. This season, try filling your plate with vibrant holiday foods like roasted veggies, seasonal fruits, and festive salads. A fun way to do this is to fill our plate with the colours of the rainbow. There are lots of foods, especially fruits and vegetables, that come in a variety of different colours. Alternatively, consider the plate method guide that encourages us to fill roughly half of the plate with vegetables and fruits, a quarter with grains and starches, and a quarter with protein sources. But remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect!

a christmas and thanksgiving holiday potluck with colourful foods
Challenge yourself to add a touch of colour to your plate - this can make for a nutrient-packed and visually appealing meal.

Tip 3: sip beverages mindfully  

Festive drinks, from creamy hot chocolates to spiced holiday cocktails, are a delicious part of the season. It's easy for added sugars to sneak in with these treats though. Try sipping slowly and being mindful of the portion size. We can also request a quarter- or half-sweetened version of specialty drinks to enjoy all the flavours with less sugar. We can also make our own holiday drinks at home if we're feeling crafty! Some of our favourite holiday beverages here at PUL include:

two dieters enjoying a homemade christmas drink for a healthy and cozy vibe
Warm up with homemade festive drinks mindfully to stay cozy all holiday season!

Tip 4: savour the treats

During the holidays, food often adds to the enjoyment and memories we create. When it comes to festive sweets and treats, remember that it's okay to savour them. Choosing foods that bring joy is an important part of a balanced, holistic approach to eating. Treats are a special part of the holidays, and enjoying them fully can help nourish the soul just as much as nutrient-dense foods nourish the cells.

a pan of holiday desserts for a christmas party that can be enjoyed even if dieting
If we're having foods that add to the enjoyment of the holidays, they're great food choices that help to nourish our soul.  

Tip 5: focus on connection instead of calories

The holiday season can be about more than just the food - it’s also an opportunity to connect, whether that's with loved ones, friends, or even with ourselves. Shifting focus from food to the moments around us can help us feel more present, satisfied, and grateful. So, instead of letting the food steal the spotlight, let’s take a little time to appreciate the connections, big or small, that make the season meaningful. Great company and delicious food? Now that's something we can all be grateful for this holiday season. 

Hungry for more?

Intuitive eating is an approach to eating that focuses on being in tune with our body cues related to hunger. Learn more about intuitive eating and download our printable journal for insights on mindfulness, trusting our body signals, and responding to hunger and fullness cues this holiday season (and beyond!).