Food and Hunger Tips for the Holidays

It's the most wonderful time of the year! For those of us who are doing our best to keep watch on our health while still enjoying what this season has to offer, here are some tips recommended by Canada's Food Guide.

5 Strategies for Healthy Eating
Use these 5 strategies to help you make healthier food choices during the holidays or other social events.

1. Choose and offer healthier foods optionsAs much as possible, stick to healthy foods you would normally choose. This applies when you are:
   
   • hosting an event
   • attending a gathering
   • preparing a dish to share
   Try to:
   
   • choose whole grain foods
   • make water your drink of choice
   • have plenty of vegetables and fruits
   Preparing dishes with these foods can help ensure you are providing and making a healthier choice.
   Special holiday versions of highly processed foods are often available and on sale during the holidays. Where possible, limit these and other highly processed foods. If you choose these foods, choose them in smaller amounts.
   
2. Be mindfulUsually during celebrations or events there is a lot going on. It is easy to get distracted while eating.
   Think about your habits at social gatherings. Remember to:
   
   • Take time to eat
     • Find space where you can sit down and focus on what you are eating
   • Pay attention to your food choices
     • When there is lots of food available or served throughout an event, it can be hard to keep track. Where possible, choose healthy foods and drinks.
   • Notice your feelings of hunger and fullness
     • There are many reasons you may feel the need to eat or drink during a party. Make your food choices based on your hunger level.
3.  Enjoy your foodIt’s important that you enjoy your food. This is especially true during holidays and events when the food that’s offered or served may serve a cultural or traditional purpose. Eating foods you like without judgment can help you develop a healthy attitude about food.
   Instead of feeling like you are missing out when it comes to less healthy food choices, have a smaller portion and take the time to savour it.
   
4.  Think about your drinkDrinks can add additional calories, sodium, sugars or saturated fat to your meal. This is true for non-alcoholic as well as alcoholic drinks.
   Enjoy carbonated water with added flavour from fruit. Plain coffee and tea can also be an option.
   
5.  Think beyond food to celebrateCelebrate with an activity. Try:
   
   • going for a hike
   • playing your favourite game
   • taking part in an outdoor activity like skating or biking

 
As always, stay healthy and happy and ENJOY THE HOLIDAY SEASON!