Jump-start a healthier New Year with four-holiday eating tips
New Year with four holiday eating tips, Many people put off starting a healthy diet until the first of the year. After all, the holidays are stressful and include eating larger portions of fatty festive foods.
But push that concept away because now is a great time to start new habits. In order to manage stress and prevent overindulging in holiday fare, Teresa Fung, a registered dietitian at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, advises making dietary modifications now. Additionally, by adopting a healthier diet, you may start the new year off on the right foot.
4 keys to healthy holiday eating patterns
Fung offers four excellent tips for eating better food that might help you get started on a healthy 2023.
Put an emphasis on mindful eating and quantity control. Due to the tempting food options and greater amounts during the holidays (think family feasts and party spreads), people frequently overindulge. This is a great opportunity to work on portion management, adds Fung. Take a modest slice of each cake, for instance, if there are three served at the party and you enjoy all of them. You may indulge in a range of treats without going overboard, according to Fung.
A chance to practise mindful eating, which can help prevent overeating, is provided by dining in large groups. Fung advises to “concentrate on eating carefully and savouring the flavours, and pause to converse and socialise.” You are less likely to grab second or third helpings because the slower pace gives your body time to process what you’ve eaten and tell your brain that you are satisfied.
Forcing the plants. Give plant-based foods top priority when planning your Christmas menu. For instance, the MIND and Mediterranean diets place a strong emphasis on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables as well as the use of healthy fats. These diets are filled with nutrients like fibre, vitamins, and minerals. That help control blood pressure and keep weight at a healthy level (both welcomed gifts during the holidays).
The holidays are a perfect time to start making the switch to a plant-based diet