Healthy Bite: 10 Healthy Holiday Eating & Living Tips

The holidays have arrived and so have your fears around weight gain and a possible downward spiral in your well-being. With each party invitation accepted, you envision multiple cups of egg nog, late nights and added stress. Below I offer 10 creative ways for you to find more balance in your life this time of year. Be sure to pick at least 3 items that you will commit to this month. By doing so, you can be assured a festive and healthy December!

1. Make a Plan: Before heading to any holiday party create an action plan. Decide what you will eat and drink beforehand and stick to it. Perhaps you won’t touch the fried foods or you’ll limit yourself to only 2 glasses of red wine.

2. Hydrate: Aim for at least 6-8 eight ounces glasses of water daily throughout the month of December. Keep a pitcher at your desk and drink up! You’ll eat less and have more energy with fewer cravings.

3. Bring a Dish: Each time you are invited to someone’s house, make your favorite healthy dish that contains a good balance of protein, fats and carbohydrates. If the food at the party is unhealthy you will be able to enjoy yours without any guilt whatsoever.

4. Eat Beforehand: Make sure you have a meal or hearty snack before going out on the town. Alcohol on an empty stomach is never a good idea! You’ll also eat less of the greasy, fried appetizers if you aren’t ravished.

5. Sleep Soundly: Practice good sleeping habits by going to bed by 11pm each night. DVR your favorite T.V. shows or leave the party a little early to ensure that you are getting your restful sleep.

6. Move More: Increase your exercise activity. Consider a pedometer to track your steps or make a commitment to take the stairs whenever possible. Bundle up and take walks outside after meals or do sit ups while you are watching your favorite shows.

7. Avoid the Kitchen: If you stand near the cook, caterer or oven you are doomed. Instead, situate yourself in the other room away from the tempting treats. If you’re seated at the dinner table, keep the veggies near you and the bread closer to your neighbor.

8. Get Accountable: Find a friend or a professional to help hold you accountable. Make some goals and share them. Perhaps you can create a rewards system that does not involve sugar!

9. Cut Everything in Half: If you’re baking a recipe, use ½ of the sugar that is called for. 95% of the recipes out there have more sugar than our body and taste buds can handle. If you’re at a party, cut your drink consumption to ½ - calories from alcohol can add up quickly!

10. Find substitutes: Instead of egg nog, try warm apple cider with cinnamon. The cinnamon will help balance your blood sugar and the caloric intake will be kinder to your waistline. Instead of wine, try sparkling water with a touch of cranberry juice. Or, substitute the cookie for a sweet piece of fruit or a bite-sized piece of dark rich chocolate!
Alison Held
Alison is a graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (affiliated with Columbia University) and a Masters Degree candidate in Human Nutrition. She is certified by the Association of Drugless Practitioners and has a private practice in Fairfield County.

Alison empowers individuals to become the best version of themselves through exceptional nutrition and health counseling. With a passion for and extensive knowledge in healthy living and delicious whole foods, Alison works closely with her clients guiding them to a happier, healthier way of life. Examples of client results include optimized anti-aging protocol, strengthened immune system, lowered cholesterol, increased energy and performance, weight loss/gain, stress reduction, pain elimination and improved sleep,

Her nutritional insights, "Healthy Bite," will be featured regularly in future issues of Aetherial Living.

If you enjoy this article, or would like to know more about Alison, please drop her a comment at alison@aetheriaspa.com