4 Tips for Eating Healthy and Shopping Wisely This Holiday Season

We all know that the holiday season brings with it a lot of delicious treats, but it can also come with some unhealthy choices. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the festivities without compromising your health. With a few simple tips, you can make sure your holiday food shopping is as healthy as possible and you don’t overdo it.

The holidays are a time for indulgence, but it doesn't have to come at the expense of your waistline. The key is to enjoy a variety of healthy foods that are low in carbohydrates and high in good fats.

It's important to keep in mind that overdoing it on the carbs can lead to weight gain, and this will not only affect your holiday clothes but also your mental health. You might be feeling sluggish, tired or moody after eating too many carbs or sugars.

Good fats and going low carbs can help you feel fuller for longer so you can avoid overeating. Fats from avocados, nuts, seeds, olives and olive oil will help keep you energized so you can enjoy all the festivities without feeling weighed down.

Here are 4 tips to keep in mind this Holiday Season:

1.  Eat Your Fats

The holidays are a time for family, friends and delicious food. But if you want to stay healthy and keep your weight in check during this festive season, it’s important to focus on eating the right kinds of fats.

One of the best ways to enjoy healthy fats this holiday season is to incorporate nut butters into your meals. These tasty spreads contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids, as well as vitamins and minerals that can help you feel fuller for longer periods of time. Enjoying a tablespoon or two with some fruit or vegetables or on top of a whole grain cracker can be a great way to get in some healthy fats and keep your waistline in check. Need a little help maintaining your metabolism this Season? Try Michael’s Fat Metabolism Factors™ to help provide nutrients for the metabolism of fats and cholesterol, and support your fluid levels and energy.

If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional holiday cookies and cakes, try making recipes that call for healthy fats instead of butter or sugar. Avocados, olive oil and nuts are all great sources of healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that can be used in place of butter or sugar. For example, you could make an avocado mousse (so good!) instead of a traditional chocolate mousse for dessert, or use olive oil as the base for salad dressings instead of sugar-laden store bought varieties.

By eating the right fats this holiday season, you can enjoy delicious meals without the guilt of overindulging in sugary treats. With some simple swaps, you can stay healthy and maintain your weight while still enjoying the delicious food of the season. 

2.  Enjoy Carbs in Moderation

It’s easy to overindulge in holiday foods, especially those that are high in carbohydrates. But if you plan ahead and practice moderation, you can still enjoy your favorite carbs during the holidays.

First, start by eating a healthy breakfast before indulging later in the day. This will help keep your blood sugar levels stable, preventing you from overindulging in sweets or other high-carb foods.

Also, be mindful of your portion sizes when it comes to carbohydrates. Instead of having a large plate filled with mashed potatoes and stuffing at a holiday dinner, opt for one serving of each dish and fill the rest of your plate with vegetables or salad.

Remember, carbohydrates are an important part of a healthy diet and can provide you with energy. So don't be afraid to enjoy some of your favorite carbs in moderation this holiday season. Just make sure to practice portion control and balance them out with healthier choices such as vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, or whole grains.

Finally, be sure to stay hydrated. Water can help you feel full and prevent overeating. So, drink a glass of water between meals or snacks to help keep your appetite in check during the holiday season.

By following these tips, you can still enjoy your favorite carbs while maintaining a healthy balance during the holidays!

3.  Choose Alcohol Wisely

The holiday season is a time for indulging in food and drink, but it doesn't have to be detrimental to your health. While alcohol consumption can be part of a healthy lifestyle, it's important to be mindful of how much you are drinking and the type of drinks you consume. Avoiding carb-heavy alcoholic beverages can help you stay on track with your health goals over the holidays.

Carb-heavy alcohols include beer, wine coolers, and sweetened liqueurs. These drinks are packed with empty calories that can quickly add up without providing any nutritional value. Additionally, they can cause a spike in blood sugar levels which can lead to energy crashes afterwards.

Instead of carb-heavy drinks, opt for spirits like vodka, gin, whiskey, and tequila that are lower in calories. If you need something to mix with your spirits, try adding club soda or a low-calorie mixer for some flavor. You can also make simple cocktails such as the classic vodka soda or gimlet with lime juice and simple syrup for a refreshing and somewhat better alternative.

When it comes to alcohol, moderation is key! Enjoy your drinks in moderation and be mindful of how many calories you are consuming. With a few mindful choices, you can have an enjoyable holiday season while staying on track with your health.

4.  Create a Healthy Shopping List

Creating a healthy shopping list for the holiday season can help you stay low-carb and maintain your health goals. Here are some tips on what to include in your grocery list:

1. Fats: Healthy fats like avocado oil, coconut oil and olive oil are great options for cooking or baking during the holidays. Other sources of healthy fats include nuts and seeds, avocados, grass-fed beef or bison, salmon, and eggs.

2. Low carb vegetables: Choose leafy greens like spinach, kale, and cabbage for your salads or side dishes. Root vegetables such as carrots and turnips also make great low carb options.

3. Proteins: Choose lean protein sources such as chicken, turkey, fish or tofu for your meals. You can also add protein powders to smoothies or shakes as a snack.

4. Whole grains: Quinoa, oatmeal and buckwheat are all great options for getting in some whole grains.

5. Low-sugar fruits: Fruits like berries, lemons, and limes are low in sugar but still provide some sweetness. You can also add apples to your dishes for a natural sweetener.

6. Spices and herbs: Adding spices and herbs to your food will not only make it more flavorful, but they are also great for adding antioxidants that support a healthy immune system.

The Bottom Line

The holidays are a time of celebration with family and friends. It’s also the season of some oh-so-yummy but not-so-healthy foods. Do your best to make healthy choices but enjoy the season while it’s here. You can always take the time to detox after the holidays with Michael’s^® 1 Week Flush™.