Of course, Christmas is the perfect time to indulge in tasty treats, but if you really want to feel your best, it’s worth staying mindful even during the festivities. Dietitian Jennie Norton shared some simple tips with Eat This that help you enjoy this joyful season without packing on unnecessary weight. Here are five easy tricks you can start using today!
1. Tune in to Your Hunger and Fullness
Sitting around a beautifully set table with loved ones, it’s natural not to focus on how hungry or full you actually feel. Still, the expert suggests taking a few seconds to check in with yourself on a scale from 1 to 10—where 1 means very hungry and 10 means very full—before reaching for more.
The dietitian recommends stopping when you feel comfortably full—not stuffed—so you’ll feel better after eating and might even have room left for some delicious desserts.
Don’t forget drinks! Staying well hydrated during the holidays is just as important as any other day, and water remains the best choice. A few cups of tea, cocoa, or other drinks without added sugar are great options too. If you’re enjoying alcoholic beverages, keep moderation in mind, as many are surprisingly high in calories!
2. Watch Your Portions and Balance
At holiday gatherings, it’s easy to pile your plate with everything that looks good or to take as much as others do. But research shows people tend to eat much more when dining with others than when eating alone, says Eat This.
To avoid overdoing it, the dietitian suggests starting with small portions of each dish you want to try. This way, you won’t miss out on any favorites or tempting new treats, but you’ll also avoid overeating. Balance is key: even during the holidays, aim to fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables like leafy salads, grilled or steamed broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts.
3. Get Moving with Loved Ones
Instead of spending all of Christmas and the days after indoors, take a walk with your loved ones, go for a hike, or choose another outdoor activity! If the weather doesn’t cooperate, indoor walks or light exercise are great alternatives. The key is to avoid sitting or lying down the whole time.
4. Manage Holiday Stress
As lovely as this time of year is, it can also be stressful—whether it’s preparing the Christmas menu, shopping for gifts, baking, or dealing with unsolicited comments from relatives or acquaintances. Stress can increase the chance of overeating, though some people may eat less due to anxiety.
Whatever your experience, try to include calming activities in your holiday routine, ideally every day. This could be yoga, listening to Christmas music, watching a favorite movie, or anything else that helps you relax.
The goal is to feel less stressed, so you can better focus on nourishing yourself in a way that supports your well-being during the holidays.
5. Get Enough Sleep
With all the holiday hustle, it’s easy to get less sleep than usual, which can negatively affect your health and weight. “Experts recommend adults get seven to nine hours of sleep each night to support their body’s health,” the dietitian advises.
To help with this, avoid caffeinated drinks late in the afternoon and really try to get enough rest every night during the Christmas season. By following these tips, you’ll set yourself up to feel great in your own skin throughout the holidays—and start the new year without extra pounds!
