It is so easy to understand why Americans can gain so much weight during the holiday season. Everywhere you turn there is food. The colorful, inviting television ads, the grocery store displays, office and other parties, etc. Particularly the parties…at these events most likely there will be assortments of delicious food and deserts, not to mention the delicious sugar laden beverages that are also commonly offered.

Ah yes, holiday seasons are wrought with food and festivity and thank goodness. There is nothing wrong with a little indulgence during this time. We have to be careful not to overdo and remember to eat food that will help us maintain a nutritional balance. Enjoy yourselves with moderation.

5 Tips for eating healthy during the holiday season.

1. Don’t go to a holiday party hungry. I know exactly what you are thinking, however, if you go to the party hungry you most assuredly will overeat. So, before the dinner party have a healthy snack. If this isn’t possible, at the party perhaps snake on vegetables or a salad before your indulge in a meal or other holiday goodies.
   
2. Maintain your healthy eating habits throughout the holiday season. Do this by choosing for example, Christmas Dinner. For this meal perhaps decide to allow yourself to eat something that you would not have normally. Like having stuffing, gravy, sweet potatoes and dessert. Then don’t feel guilty about your choices. But remember this will only work in your favor if you choose one meal during the holiday in which to over indulge. For all other meals during the season try to maintain that healthy balance that you already have in place.
   
3. Do not skip meals. Again continue to practice your daily healthy habits. Eat your 3 to 5 small meals a day. Skipping meals will most assuredly mean over eating when the festive foods are in front of you.
   
4. Increase your exercise. Let’s face it; avoiding the extra calories during this time is very hard. So, increase your exercise to counter balance the extra caloric intake that you may have. One way to get extra exercise is while out doing holiday shopping park in spaces farthest from the store. Also, choose the stairs versus the elevator or escalators.
   
5. Host a holiday party yourself. Hosting a Holiday Party yourself gives you complete control over the menu. This way you control the number of healthy offerings versus the non-healthy ones. This is also the time that you could take the focus away from the food. Make the holiday celebration more fun an meaning.
   
   6. Take time for yourself. Holiday time is stressful for many people. Be sure to take time to relax and unwind. Regarding the holiday, set limits, plan, eat well, get plenty of rest and most of all keep it simple.

Above all, enjoy the holidays. Use this time to celebrate family and your blessings. Be sure to help others and donate to charities during this time as well. Lastly, it is a special time of year and the occasional slice of cake or cookie will not hurt.

Other articles:

Easy on the Sugar, 76 Ways Sugar Can Ruin Your Health.
Its ok to eat and practice Weight Control.