5 Tips to Eating Smart This Holiday Season

It’s a Holiday. We cannot help but get excited with all the family members that we will get to see again, the gifts that we are going to give (and receive!), the parties that we will be attending, and of course, the food that we will be eating.

To get you through the holiday feasts without regrets and the need to trim your waistline come January, here are 5 tips to help you out:

1. Choose what you put on your plate

There’s bound to be a plethora of food choices that you will encounter during the holiday parties. Make sure to always do a survey of the prepared dishes before filling your plate. Choose the healthier food items like salad and fish over cake and lechon during your plate filling rounds. Eat until you no longer feel hungry, not until your belly’s about to burst.

2. You can have a taste of everything, just don’t overdo it

Who can resist grandma’s Lechon Kawali? Mom’s Sansrival? Don’t turn down the comfort foods that they have prepared for you (they might get concerned about how you’re not eating well and offer you more food!) Instead, politely ask for a single serving and that’s it – no more seconds. You can try a little of everything, keep your portions small, don’t drown yourself in a single dish that’s bound to show next time you step on your bathroom scale. Moderation is key.

3. Eat slowly

Ever heard of how chewing your food properly is good for you? It’s true! Chew your food well, stagger your mouthfuls of food, and socialize in between. You’ll realize later that you would have eaten less while still achieving a feeling of satiation. Chewing your food well will also help your stomach digest the food.

4. Stay away from snacks in between meals

Wait for meals where you can enjoy the food with your family as snacking will leave little space for the more delicious meals. Snacks are usually laden with sodium and fat – things you should definitely avoid. If you really can’t resist munching on something while waiting for the next handaan, go for low calorie snacks or fruits.

5. Continue your exercise routine

Going on vacation for the holiday season does not mean you should also take a break from your daily jog or yoga. Keep your exercise routine or even improve on it as a new year’s resolution. Being active will not only help you keep fit, it will help increase your body’s metabolism – essential in digesting all the holiday food that you will be going through. If you don’t have an exercise routine, go ahead and make one! It will be the perfect gift you can give yourself this holiday season. (www.healthpromo.doh.gov.ph)