Eating Well: Holiday Edition
It’s holiday season across the U.S., which brings a month-long, self-indulgent, sweets and snacking binge. Well, at least that’s what the holidays are known for and why so many people struggle to stay on top of their eating habits during this time. As a college student with limited time and funds, it can be especially difficult to stay in line during these exciting yet stressful times. You are busy with school and then maybe you have an internship during winter break. It seems like you have no time to prep healthy meals. Your bank account is pretty much nonexistent and buying healthy foods can be expensive depending on where you shop. But there are ways to avoid the holiday treats binge.
- Veggies on veggies At holiday dinners, choose vegetables, like broccoli and green beans, over potatoes. Take five minutes out of your morning to cut up peppers or carrots to bring as a snack during your work day. Don’t be ashamed if you pack a side of lite ranch.
- Fill up on protein – Grab an extra serving of turkey, chicken, or fish during dinner. Eat the protein and veggies first so you have less room for the less healthy sides.
- Leave no room on your plate – This might seem contradictory but as long as you’re putting the right foods on your place, this tip should help. If you load up your plate the first go-around during holiday dinners, your stomach will get fuller faster. This is important because if you go back for seconds, you are likely to grab something else that you shouldn’t.
- Choose your sweets wisely – Sweets are a huge part of the holiday season so they might be difficult to avoid. Main tip: Just be cautious and don’t eat that third cookie! Or, think of alternatives. If you’re craving something sweet, how about a sweet potato?
- Be a smart shopper – Your bank account is already hurting after buying gifts for everyone you know, so find grocery stores with nicer prices. Aldi’s is a great store with cheaper products. This rule doesn’t only apply to the holiday season.
- Make a list and eat before you shop– Never go into a grocery store without a list or on an empty stomach, otherwise you will buy literally all of those unhealthy foods you’re trying to stray from.
- Routine is key – Maybe you are generally a healthy eater, don’t let the holidays persuade you to let too loose. If you are one of the lucky few that get to sleep in until noon and lounge around all day every day over winter break, don’t. Allow yourself an extra hour or so to sleep in but wake up, eat breakfast, and get moving.
- Don’t skip the gym – Okay so this isn’t specifically related to food but it will help to keep you in track this holiday season. I know, I know, if you don’t have time to cook, how do you have time to workout, right? Well, you do! Put down your phone, press pause on that show, wake up a little earlier. You can find so many 30-minute workouts on YouTube. Everyone has 30-minutes they could spare. It’s just a matter of motivation.
- Be imperfect – Although you don’t want to lose your routine, know the occasional sugar cookie is okay. One cookie here and there will not damage the work you’ve done to eat healthy.
- Say “No, thank you” – Your family and friends will try to push food on to you. Maybe you’ll feel guilty because you know how hard they worked on their dish but don’t be afraid to say “No, thank you”. In order to survive the holidays, you must get comfortable standing your ground.
Eating healthy as students in general can be tricky, but adding sugar cookies or pizzelles and big ham dinners with all the fixings can bring an even bigger headache. However, it’s not impossible to maintain healthy eating habits this holiday season. Happy holidays!
