How to prepare now for holiday meals and maintain a healthy eating plan

The holiday season is finally here.

When it comes to nutrition, this time of year has the potential to throw off the best eating habits. Festive meals, gatherings with friends and family and holiday travel can be joyous, but can also hinder a well-intentioned eating plan. Plus, this season can be particularly challenging and stressful all around. Don’t wait until January 2nd to prioritize your health. Make a practical eating plan for the remainder of the year that you can implement before you even sit down to Thanksgiving dinner.

In fact, choosing the right nutrition plan to get you through the holiday season is just as much about a healthy and balanced mindset as it is about the food. It’s easy to fall into all-or-nothing thinking, believing that eating well is impossible this time of year. Instead, consider what you are able to do between now and 2022 to help avoid procrastination.

Here are some ways to embrace a healthy eating mindset during the holidays that does not compromise your favorite holiday foods.

Create a Healthy Holiday Eating Plan

Even if you already have a healthy eating plan, it may need to be updated to endure this time of year. Are you expecting house guests for the holidays? Take control by preparing family meals that are in line with your eating plan. Are you planning to attend upcoming dinner parties? Don’t skip meals earlier in the day. Opt to eat similarly to your usual routine to help avoid overeating at parties.

Maintenance Can Be Success

The holidays can derail measurable health and fitness goals like improving blood sugar or lowering cholesterol levels. Instead of taking a five to six-week break from your goals, consider the role that maintenance can play in keeping up your progress. Maybe weight loss feels unrealistic this time of year, but weight maintenance can be totally achievable. Prioritizing stable blood sugar now can help you steer away from having to start new medications at your next doctor’s appointment. Short-term modest goals are more attainable and still make an impact.

Focus on the Days in Between

Traditional holiday recipes and special foods are an important part of celebrating the holidays. Who wants to be on a diet during Thanksgiving, Christmas or Hanukkah when the holidays only come once a year? The good news is that holiday meals can fit into a healthy eating plan. Besides, they are just a few days in the span of many weeks. The key is to resume your healthy eating and physical activity routine on the days in between. Even if you are traveling or hosting guests this holiday season, there is still plenty of opportunity to stay on track between the festivities.

Practice Stress Management

Stress, exhaustion and burnout make it extra challenging to stick to a healthy eating plan. Consider creating a practice to better manage stress every day. Getting adequate sleep, adding in some walking, meditation, yoga and mental health counseling are just a few ways to focus on your emotional well-being and stay balanced during this busy time of year.

LeeAnn Weintraub, MPH, RD is a registered dietitian, providing nutrition counseling and consulting to individuals, families and organizations. She can be reached by email at RD@halfacup.com.