Are you stressing over the food during the Holidays? Yes, the struggle is real for many of us! We've heard all the tips for getting through it, but what works best for you?
Do you just make all of December a cheat day/month, tell yourself that's it's okay, and then plan to cleanse, detox, and exercise your way through January? Hmm, how did that work out last year? Okay, we know time is an issue. Not enough time to shop, prep, and cook to be able to eat healthy? Not enough time to plan ahead? Too many get-togethers AND food? Is that the problem for you?
Well, here is a list to help to remind you of your options. You can make or prepare them or if you have more money than time, then let the store prepare for you. Just remember...Skip perfect and go with good enough for a few of the days during the Holidays!
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1) Buy the pre-cut & washed veggies. The snack veggies (baby carrots, celery, pepper strips, cherry tomatoes, radishes, etc.), the salads made to go, the diced veggies to go in that stir-fry, maybe even the prepared food section to save time. If this gets you to eat a salad for lunch or dinner, make a healthy stir-fry, or snack healthier when you get home or before a party/dinner, then go with it and don't feel guilty not doing all the work yourself!
2) A healthy smoothie works for breakfast, lunch, snacks, or dinner in a pinch. You can make it the night before, buy it, or just blend up a simple one. The same goes for yogurt, but buy the plain, unsweetened adding healthier options. Make it savory, if you wish with spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. This often works when you're really pressed for time and grocery shopping just hasn't happened. It may not be filling enough for everyone, but it can at least fill in some gabs.
3) Leftovers! Yes, make extra, freeze the leftovers, or plan for the next day for lunch or dinner. Even, meals you bought can be frozen in many cases. When you're in a crunch, then it's simple to pull out and there's no shopping involved. Soups can work great this time of year, if you can plan ahead or use that slow cooker for simple one pot meals.
4) Buy some healthier juices (I like tart cherry or pomegranate) and sparkling water. I love the Lakewood brand for juice. Add a little bit to a glass and then fill with sparkling water. Have this before dinner instead of alcohol or at dinner along with your glass of wine. Both look a bit like a rose or red wine. Either way, you will drink less and still feel you are having something special. And, you are!
5) Include the healthy fats in your options to help fill you up, give you energy, and many are considered good for you. Everyone will view each of them differently based on their dietary needs/preferences, but use coconut oil, olive oil, butter/ghee, avocado oil in your dishes and snack on hard boiled eggs, avocados, cheeses, nut/seed butters, olives, hummus, etc. The fats can be added to smoothies, including avocado wedges. Nibble on some fruit, such as apples, oranges, grapes, pears, and those crunchy veggies.
6) Try parking farther away from the store, work, or your destination to force you into a bit of walking. Consider asking friends or family to meet you for coffee/tea to go and then head out on a walk to catch up while you sip. Or if your Farmers Market is open year round, then add that to your meet-up! Or find a park. A little fresh air and movement can help you feel better if you've been eating and drinking more than normal.
7) Find someone else that is having the same difficulties with the holidays and support each other as you try to navigate the month. Share ideas, recipes, meet up to walk or exercise, or just have someone to listen.
8) And, most importantly, enjoy yourself, your family and friends, and don't be so hard on yourself. Focus on enjoying the time you have with the people you love. Skip the stress and just do the best you can each day. January will come before you know it!
