The holidays have so many exciting and sometimes stressful things going on, ranging from family, shopping, decorating and food. There are so many different things going on that staying healthy might take a back seat to the rigors and pleasures during this special time of year. Besides always being on the run, what people consume plays a huge role in their health.
Here are our dos and don’ts for holiday eating this year. Find out what foods and drinks made our naughty and nice lists below.
DO: Water
Water is very important to overall health because the human body needs an adequate amount to function properly. In addition, drinking water can also curb appetite and help people feel fuller so they won’t eat as much. Finally, water is healthier than other alternatives like alcohol and other holiday favorites.
DON’T: Eggnog
Eggnog is a classic holiday favorite, but it can get people into trouble with all the calories packed into this delightfully tasty drink. Each glass of eggnog can contain more than 300 calories, and if alcohol is added, that number can increase significantly.
DO: Seafood
Seafood might sound like a strange suggestion during the holiday season, but it’s a very good choice. Seafood isn’t as fatty as other holiday classics, and can be just as great tasting and satisfying. Also, seafood is high in protein, which can be helpful in losing weight and keeping the pounds off when exercising regularly.
DON’T: Ham and Turkey
Although ham and turkey are the signature entrees for the holidays, both can be full of calories. Turkey (and other dark meat) contains more than 350 calories and over 20 grams of fat per serving. People may think it’s quite healthy, but in reality in can be quite fatty.
DO: Light Snacks
Everyone likes to reach for cookies and pie and everything in between, but incorporating snacks like fruit and vegetables instead of desserts can help keep the pounds off. A nice apple croissant or ranch dressing combined with a fruit or vegetable can satisfy those hunger cravings without adding the extra weight.
DON’T: Pies and Sugary Desserts
Around this time of year, people start baking their famous pies! They taste so great and everyone marvels at their baking expertise. They are reluctant to exchange recipes because they know their pies and specialty dessert recipes are one-of-a-kind. While all this is true, most pies are made with ingredients loaded with calories. Some pie slices can contain more than 400 or 500 calories! These great-tasting treats may not be worth the extra calories in the end.
We hope this guide will help you choose more wisely between the naughty and nice treats this holiday season. We wish you the happiest of holidays from all of us at Life Priority.