Holiday parties: Tips for eating healthy
Enjoying the holiday season doesn’t mean your health has to be thrown off track. Charcuterie boards, party platters and tables of dessert may be filled with ingredients that don’t fit your regular meal plan. However, there are tips and tricks to stay on track during the holiday season.
Don’t skip meals or show up hungry
Skipping meals so you can indulge at the party is not a sound tactic. Instead, stick with your normal eating routine, knowing you still may splurge a little at the event. Also, be sure to have a healthy snack before going to the party so you don’t show up hungry. Being hungry can lead to overeating.
Hydrate
Drink up—water that is—ahead of your gathering. Heading into a party well-hydrated can help you feel good and may help you eat less.
Focus on your friends and loved ones
While food is often the main activity at a party, it doesn’t have to be. Focus on catching up with people you haven’t seen in a while. Just be careful not to socialize next to the food, as this can lead to mindless eating.
Remember your why
Remind yourself why you are staying mindful. Keep your health goals in mind so you can make the best choices for you.
Make a dish you can enjoy
Always offer to bring a dish to the event. This is your opportunity to bring what works for you. And it’s guaranteed that you will not be the only one who will be pleased with having a more nutritious option.
Start your celebration out right by making these delicious apps for your next party.
Flavorful with yogurt and herbs, these are low-calorie, gluten-free and paleo-friendly.
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Ingredients
Preparation
- In a medium bowl, whisk together goat cheese, yogurt and oil. Fold in dill and parsley.
- Spoon a small scoop of the mixture onto endive leaf ends, dividing evenly.
- Season with pepper and serve immediately.
Nutrition
(per serving)- 76 Calories
- 5g Total Fat
- 3g Saturated Fat
- 63mg Sodium
- 12mg Cholesterol
- 4g Total Carbs
- 3g Fiber
- 1g Sugars
- 5g Protein
- 337mg Potassium
If you’re watching your cholesterol, replace the egg mixture with a flavored hummus to fill your egg halves instead.
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Ingredients
Preparation
- Peel eggs and slice in half lengthwise. Remove the yolks and place into a medium bowl. Place the egg whites on a plate, holes facing up.
- Use a fork to mash the yolks. Add mayonnaise, mustard and vinegar. Mix until smooth.
- Spoon a scoop of the egg mixture into the hole of each white. Sprinkle with chives and serve.
Nutrition
(per serving)- 50 Calories
- 4g Total Fat
- 1g Saturated Fat
- 66mg Sodium
- 94mg Cholesterol
- 1g Total Carbs
- 0g Fiber
- 0g Sugars
- 3g Protein
- 35mg Potassium
This dish is vegan, gluten-free and loaded with fiber and good fats.
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Ingredients
Preparation
- Cut avocados in half lengthwise. Discard pit and use a spoon to remove flesh. Place flesh in a medium bowl.
- Squeeze juice from both sides of lime into the bowl. Add garlic and salt. Use a fork to mash to desired consistency (should be a little lumpy).
- Serve guacamole with jicama sticks to use for dipping.
Nutrition
(per serving)- 171 Calories
- 12g Total Fat
- 3g Saturated Fat
- 24mg Sodium
- 0mg Cholesterol
- 17g Total Carbs
- 10g Fiber
- 3g Sugars
- 2g Protein
- 480mg Potassium
These lean protein sticks are easy-to-eat party snacks.
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Ingredients
Preparation
- In a medium pan, heat olive oil over a medium flame.
- Add garlic and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add lime juice and chili powder and stir to combine.
- Add shrimp. Cook until shrimp are pink and no longer translucent, about 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Stir in lime zest.
- Thread three or so shrimp onto 10 skewers and serve warm.
Nutrition
(per serving)- 62 Calories
- 3g Total Fat
- 0g Saturated Fat
- 59mg Sodium
- 65mg Cholesterol
- 1g Total Carbs
- 0g Fiber
- 0g Sugars
- 9g Protein
- 7mg Potassium
Sources:
https://www.teladochealth.com/library/article/low-carb-apps-for-holiday-parties
https://www.teladoc.com/health-talk/summer-get-togethers-how-to-have-fun-while-sticking-to-your-health-goals/
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This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.