Holiday Nutrition Hacks

Last week, Hold for the Holidays participants shared some really great nutrition hacks they use to get through the holiday season without gaining weight. Take a look at some of our favorites below, as well as a neat word collage created using all of the tips together!

• Move away from finger foods at parties or gatherings...It is too easy to over indulge on chips, nuts, candies, etc.
• When eating out, cut the food in half and box it to go so you won't eat it.
• Always volunteer to bring something to a gathering so that you will have the healthy option to enjoy.
• Skinny Jeans
• Always try to volunteer to bring the veggies or fruit so I know there will be healthy options available
• Meal prep lunches for the week, snacks, salads and fruits!
• I actually have been making my mashed potatoes dairy free! I use Earth Balance Organic dairy free spread, it's similar to a margarine, and in place of milk or cream, I use organic chicken stock! The potatoes are delicious and a little healthier than regular, plus my tummy doesn't suffer from the dairy! Yum!
• I have been eating slower, making sure to take my time at every meal so I feel full and don't need seconds.
• I make sure to get plenty of water throughout the day and I track my food using my fitness pal to make sure I get enough protein.
• Eat breakfast everyday, even if it’s just a protein shake.
• When going somewhere for a meal, plan other meals for the day that leave room and allow you to indulge at the special meal.
• Bring chopped fresh vegetables to snack on at work - Fill up on Hearty Vegetable soups for lunch ...research shows it works better than salads
• Smaller plate for a smaller portion
• Instead of having seconds I’ll just go take care of my plate instead of it being in front of me. It’s to tempting!
• Water all throughout the day, clean eating, prepping!!
• Keep a small container of nuts for those unexpected hunger attacks.
• Don’t have dessert every night
• Eat at the table- not in front of the TV
• Eat more protein!!
• When I wake up, I drink a glass of cold water to not only get a boost on my water intake for the day but to also help get my body moving.
• Drink a cup of green tea with honey at night for “dessert”. Fills me up and satisfies my sweet tooth.
• I try to stop eating before I fed full so I don’t end up stuffed and uncomfortable.
• Use a smaller plate. Eat off a plate not out of a bag!
• Less carbs!
• Eat more vegetables as appetizers instead of chips...think about eating food that is grown from the earth instead of processed! 
• Cut out sugar- use small amounts of maple syrup or honey instead.
• With all of the goodies that show up at work during the holiday season, I try to follow the, “I will only eat the things I bring to eat ” rule.
• Always having fruits and veggies washed and in sight makes for great snacking.
• Figuring out what dessert is worth it and picking one instead of taking bites of everything. Or doing the opposite and taking one bite of a few desserts to allow yourself to get a taste for your favorites.
• Replace flour with almond/coconut flour, only cook or bake with natural sugars instead of refined sugars
• Protein shakes, smoothies to get in more fruits/veggies, exercise
• I drink water on the way to school instead of stopping for coffee. Keeps the extra calories off!
• Load plate with lots of veggies and protein and a very small amount of grains. 
• Put fruit in ice cubes to make water more fun. I make several different kinds so I can ask each guest what they want.
• Have healthy snack plates available which will help not eat a whole meal. Also, share a plate! Like at a potluck - share a plate with someone and try a few items every 15 minutes to refrains from getting a giant plate to yourself and feeling obligated to eat it all!
• Always eat breakfast
• I brush my teeth right after eating dinner then I am not tempted to eat dessert later on that night.
• Be aware of portion sizes...I find they make a big difference.
• I substitute lemon juice and olive oil for regular salad dressing...a healthier choice that also tastes good!
• I eat healthy fats such as avocados and macadamias to help keep me full. The Keto diet is working for me and I’ve been on it since July.
• Drink a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a 16.9 oz bottle of water every morning
• Try not to eat a big meal too late in the evening. I try to eat my last meal before 7pm so I can fully digest before I go to bed. :)
• Exercise frequently
• Try drinking seltzer water instead of the alcohol beverage. It is filling and other people may think that you are not being a party popper, also, when the appetizers are out, take only a few things and take small bites and savior the treats.
• mindful eating- asking myself before I grab something if I'm really hungry
• Do not snack during cooking, wait for the meal.
• I do not wait too long to eat. I have a small snacks, such as a clementine or a handful of raw almonds (8-12) to hold me over.
• I try eating a piece of fruit when I get a craving for something sweet.
• 3 bites. Your taste is satisfied after 3 bites, so if I desire something that may not be healthy, I only have 3 small bites and then move on to the more healthy food choices.
• Eat more of a green-based diet to offset holiday meals and snacks.
• Watch the type of fruits that are high in sugar- replace with berries of all colors!
• Read labels carefully and log your caloric intake on your fitness tracker. If the weather permits, walk for a half hour before or after your meal.
• When going to a party, offer to make a dessert. You can make something healthy with fruit that still looks fun and festive without being filled with fats and processed sugars.
• Our family goes for a walk after meals to burn off the calories right away!
• Always use plates and bowls--don't eat out of packaging/food containers. You will pay more attention to what you are eating, enjoy it more, and are less likely to overeat.
• I'm usually hungry right after school, so I pack an apple or some grapes for the ride home. This helps to curb my urge to eat a different snack when I get home.
• Measure out snacks so you know how much you are eating.
• I use the app my fitness pal! I enter the foods & drinks I eat each meal (and it syncs my steps with fitbit) and it help tally my calories in vs calories burner to help me stay within my goals! I find it helps me stay on track as well as making me think twice about extra treats knowing I'll be entering it in!
• I pack a snack and a water bottle in my purse when I go out shopping. This helps eliminate those check-out counter temptations of chips or candy. It also helps get me through the errands and back home without choosing to eat out (saves money and calories!).