Ah, the holiday season—that magical time when food is everywhere you turn. Between family gatherings, office parties, cookie swaps, and, of course, the obligatory Primanti’s trip with out-of-town relatives, it’s easy to feel like you’re on an all-you-can-eat tour of Pittsburgh. But don’t worry—you don’t have to avoid the dessert table or live off celery sticks to keep things in balance. Here’s how you can enjoy all the good stuff, stay on track, and maybe even skip that post-holiday food guilt this year.
1. Play Favorites with Your Food
When you’re staring down a buffet of mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and pies galore, it’s easy to go overboard. But here’s the trick: stick to what you actually love. If stuffing is your thing, load up! But if the dinner rolls are just “meh,” maybe skip ‘em this time. You’re not missing out if you’re filling up on things you really love, not just everything in sight.
2. Fill Half Your Plate with the Good Stuff
Veggies and protein should take up half of your plate—think roasted carrots, turkey, or even that Brussels sprouts salad that everyone swears they hate but secretly love. Balancing richer dishes with lighter, nutrient-packed foods will let you feel full and happy without the after-dinner regret. Besides, a little balance goes a long way when you’ve got dessert lined up.
3. Slow Down and Savor
Let’s be real, holiday food just hits differently. So instead of wolfing down each bite, take your time. Really taste that stuffing. Savor that slice of pie. Slowing down can make you feel full faster and, honestly, it makes the food taste even better. You’ll be less likely to go back for seconds (or thirds) when you’ve actually enjoyed each bite.
4. Hydrate and Balance Your Drinks
Between cocktails, wine, and festive eggnog, drinks can be sneaky calorie bombs. Try to alternate each drink with a glass of water or seltzer. Not only will it help keep you hydrated, but you’re also less likely to overdo it on the drinks (and wake up regretting it). Plus, staying hydrated means you’re less likely to mistake thirst for hunger.
5. Move a Little—But Make It Fun
Whether it’s a pre-dinner walk, a quick workout, or an impromptu dance party in the living room, moving a bit during the holidays does wonders. No need to spend hours at the gym (unless you want to). Just getting your body moving will help you feel good and balance out the extra treats.
6. Enjoy, Don’t Stress
Remember, it’s the holidays! If you eat a bit more than usual, it’s all good. The goal here is to make memories, not to stress over every bite. Focus on the people around you, the laughs, the stories, and the general chaos of the season. Balance isn’t about perfection; it’s about making choices that keep you feeling your best—and enjoying every minute of it.
Healthy eating over the holidays is totally doable without sacrificing the fun stuff. You can enjoy all the good food, feel great, and even skip the January “detox.” The trick? Make it simple, stay balanced, and give yourself permission to indulge without guilt. After all, isn’t the best part of the holidays making memories with the people we care about (and yes, eating the pie too)