the importance of Healthy Eating During The Holidays

Have you noticed the theme of this months blog posts?   Bring on the time for family, friends and of course, food.  While it's tempting to indulge in all your favorite comfort foods during this time, it is important to remember healthy eating is the foundation for wellness. By simply incorporating some healthy foods into your holiday diet, you can fuel your mind, body, and soul.  Keep reading for some of my favorite tips on how to make healthy eating during the holidays easier than ever!

1. Improved mood and energy

I preach this all the time to my clients, because it is so incredibly important.  Having a balanced meal or snack provides your body with the nutrients it needs, which results in making you and your body feel great!  Always opt for a nice balance of protein, healthy fats, and non-starchy carbs.  You’ll find your mood will improve your energy will sky-rocket, which means you can power through the holidays and hit the New Year strong!

2. Heart health

When we substitute healthier options for some of the foods we tend to over-indulge on during the holidays can be great for our cardiovascular health.  Proper nutrition helps maintain a good blood pressure level and will reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. 

3. Improved memory

Yes, that’s right!  Foods that help your heart will also help your brain. When we maintain a healthy diet we help keep our memory sharp and that is what I call a win-win.

4. Weight loss

Obviously, a huge benefit of eating healthy everyday can result in weight loss.  When we focus on healthier options during the holiday it can have a profound impact on our success during the month of parties and gatherings. (Instead of the usual holiday weight gain we’ve all experienced before, we can actually lose weight)!  Eating a diet with plenty of nutrients and fiber can help you feel fuller longer, thus eating fewer calories, and leading to weight loss.  You are much less likely to indulge in sweets when you feel full, so remember balanced macros is key!

5. Cancer prevention

According to reports, eating a healthy diet may relate to cancer prevention. This is because eating healthy can also prevent obesity, which is directly linked to a higher risk of cancer. Fruits, veggies, and nuts are some foods that can also help lower the risk of liver and colorectal cancers, specifically. 

Healthy eating is a necessity every day, and especially during the holidays, but it doesn't have to be hard.  By planning in advance and with a little creativity, you can still enjoy your favorite holiday staples while also remaining mindful of what's going into your body.  I hope you enjoyed this blog post on the benefits of healthy eating during the holidays. If you know someone who could benefit from these tips, share it with them now!  Happy Holidays and all the best in the New Year to you and your family.