Staying Healthy During the Holidays: Practical Tips

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Freedom Foods has exciting news—our produce is now being sold at The Homestead in West Lafayette. If you’re in the area, stop by to check out their cozy store and lounge, buy some of their amazing cinnamon rolls, and snag some fresh, local produce straight from our farm!

When holiday season rolls around, we find ourselves surrounded by an abundance of delicious food. With all the pumpkin pie, Christmas candies, and rich side dishes, options that aren’t always the best for us tempt us at every turn. Here are a few practical tips for staying healthy during the holiday season while still enjoying some of those traditional favorites.

Indulge in moderation. Enjoy all the special holiday meals, but try not to go overboard. Eat slowly, setting your fork down between each bite, taking time to truly appreciate each mouthful. This will allow you to fully experience the food and you will feel more satisfied afterwards. You could also use smaller plates to encourage reasonable portion sizes.

Make a few substitutes. Swap milk chocolate for dark chocolate in some of your favorite candies, whip up one of these low-carb sweets instead of place of traditional cookies, or make a lighter version of traditional favorites like this sweet potato casserole. There are all sorts of creative ways to shave off a few calories and still enjoy great food.

Incorporate new favorites into holiday dinners. Our family recently tried kale salad topped with a tangy vinaigrette, walnuts, and pomegranates at our holiday get-together. It was delicious, festive, and fresh.

Plan ahead. Spontaneous choices are often poor choices, so planning dinners ahead can keep you on-track with your goals. For example, prepare a bunch of freezer meals that are ready-to-go during the busy weeks leading up to the holidays. Create a weekly menu plan and stick to it. Stock your fridge and pantry accordingly so that it is easy to throw smart and easy dinners together. Planing ahead will help make meal-prep stress- and guilt-free.

Get up and move. Exercise burns calories and lifts your mood. Just a few minutes—a quick walk down the street, or a simple stretching routine—can make a difference and you will feel better for it.

What are your favorite ways to stay healthy during the holidays?