Benefits Bulletin
Healthy Holiday Eating
November 20, 2017
Grace Huang, Benefits Analyst
The holidays are here and for many of us, that means lots of family time, shopping, and food! Oftentimes, we over-indulge during this season and stuff our bellies until we’re uncomfortably full. We live to regret it and we set out to change our habits in the new year…every year! Why not get ahead of it this year and plan for a healthy holiday eating season?
It’s especially hard to eat healthy during the holidays because there are so many different foods and treats around to tempt you. Before heading off to your dinner parties and holiday events, plan ahead to avoid temptations. Eat a healthy snack beforehand, so that you are not starving at dinner and avoid loading up your plate with double the portions.
Moreover, the holidays can be a stressful time and people turn to stress eating. If you are an emotional eater, you should look out for your triggers. Instead of giving in to comfort foods, try some stress management techniques that are effective in helping you cope with stress. These techniques include mindfulness (available on the University Site), taking a walk, breathing exercises, and even just taking a quick mental break.
Try to exercise regularly throughout the holidays and aim for at least 30 minutes each day. You may also practice mindful eating by being present and conscious of what you are eating. Last but not least, you can also try healthy-yet-delicious holiday recipes. Being health-conscious does not mean your holiday meals have to be boring or bland. Try a few and share your favorite recipes with your family and friends!