With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we all know that this marks the beginning of the Christmas celebrations in Puerto Rico. It is a special time to share with family and friends, enjoy delicious meals, and create unforgettable memories. However, it’s also the first day we tend to indulge in food, which is why we must remember to strike a balance in our nutrition throughout the holiday season.
December is a month full of work parties, gift exchanges with friends, outings in the countryside, and the traditional family get-togethers. Each one of these events is full of tasty, fried foods; irresistible desserts; high-calorie dishes; and alcoholic beverages, making it difficult for us to be mindful of our eating habits. But even when it’s easy to get carried away and forget the importance of maintaining a balanced diet, these tips will help you keep a nutritional balance this season:
Plan your meals
Before you attend a dinner or party, think about what you’re going to eat. If you can, eat something light before you go, such as fruit or a yogurt. This will help you not to arrive so hungry and avoid overeating.
Practice portion control
It’s easy to get carried away by the variety of dishes on the table. Eat small portions of your favorite dishes. That way you can enjoy everything without feeling too full.
Include healthy options
When you have the opportunity to prepare a dish, make a healthier one. For example, you can opt for fresh salads, steamed vegetables, or creamy root vegetable soups.
Drink water
Sometimes we confuse hunger with thirst. Stay hydrated by drinking enough water before and during meals. This will also help you feel fuller.
Exercise
Don’t forget to stay active during the festive season. If you’re not a gym member or don’t have an exercise routine, at least try to go for daily walks, especially on days when you have an event.
Enjoy in moderation
Don’t restrict desserts or the foods you like. Enjoy them, but in moderation. A small portion of your favorite dessert may be enough to satisfy your sweet tooth. The day after, you can just track your calories in order to achieve a caloric balance.
Listen to your body
Pay attention to how you feel when you eat. Stop if you feel full. You can recognize when you’ve had enough by eating slowly and savoring each bite.
Don’t feel guilty
Remember that the holidays are to be enjoyed. If you overdo it a little with a meal, don’t feel bad. Get back into your healthy habits the next day.
While it’s normal to enjoy food during the holidays, it’s important to do so in a balanced way. Take all these tips into account, especially if you have health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, being overweight, or gastrointestinal problems, among others. Always check with your doctor or nutritionist before making significant changes to your diet to make sure that what you are consuming is right for you. You can also make an appointment with your nutritionist for guidance on the best combination of foods that are usually available during the season. This will help you partake of the festivities without compromising your health.
So, rejoice during this Thanksgiving and Christmas and enjoy every bite, in moderation!
