Beat the Buffet: Ten Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating (Part 2)

This is part two of a two-part series. To find part one, click here.

6. Keep the Sweets as Treats To keep your blood sugars from climbing, keep tabs on your intake of foods with added sugar. A bite here and there can add up quickly. Don’t love it? Leave it! There are so many foods to choose from during the holidays. Savour the ones you crave the most and leave the rest.

7. Be Prepared
One way to make sure there are healthy options available is to bring them yourself. If you’re going to a holiday dinner, ask if you can bring a dish — something that’s lower in calories and fat, like a vegetable tray or festive salad. Your host will likely welcome some healthy options.

8. Get Creative!
It’s easy to make your favourite recipes healthier by making some simple swaps. For example, replace heavy cream with evaporated skim milk or top desserts with fresh fruit instead of icing or syrupy sauces. Plus, bringing something creative is often just as impressive as something decadent. You’ll be surprised by the “oohs” and “ahhs” you get when you show up with a festive quinoa salad or broccoli Christmas tree.

9. Stay Active
Staying active during the holidays helps to relieve stress, regulate your appetite, manage your blood sugars and keep you energized. Find seasonal activities the whole family can enjoy like ice skating or tobogganing. Recreation facilities often have special deals during the holidays which can help your family stay active and save a few dollars in the process.

10. Don’t Forget the Reason for the Season

It’s important not to let the fear of overindulging prevent you from enjoying all that wonderful time with friends and family. Take the focus away from the buffet with fun or festive after-dinner activities that don’t involve food.

The most important tip of all: relax and enjoy! The holidays are a time to spend with loved ones, while taking a much-needed break from routines. Remember: maintaining a healthy diet takes practice. If you slip up now and then, forgive yourself and make sure your next meal or snack is a healthy one.

Looking for some tasty ways to make the holidays a little healthier this year? Check out the Pure Prairie Eating Plan for healthier versions of festive faves like Betty’s Gingersnaps , Banana and Cranberry Bread Pudding and Cookie Crumble Baked Apples .

Happy Holidays!