Tips on Healthy Eating to Kick Off the Holiday Season
Northwestern Memorial Physicians Group Offers Tips for Healthy Eating to Kick Off the Holiday Season
CHICAGO — As the temperature dips, the two-month long gauntlet of holiday parties and feasts begin. It’s a time of year that is loved by many children and adults across America, but it’s also a time when avoiding fatty foods and sugary candy is next to impossible. The Halloween treats kicked off the season, which only continues with a flurry of holiday parties. As Chicagoans gear up for the festivities, experts at Northwestern Memorial Physicians Group remind us that starting the season with a healthy plan will help ward off extra pounds.
"Far too many people throw healthy habits out the window and embark on a two-month binge during this time of year," says Hannah El-Amin, registered dietician at Northwestern Memorial's Center for Integrative Medicine and Wellness. "There is no reason to hold resolutions until January, and a stop-and-go approach does not lend itself to success. Instead, people should be mindful and eat generally healthy all year long."
El-Amin, who regularly counsels clients on how to incorporate healthy eating habits into daily living, offers these tips:
Avoid Temptation
Start healthy habits as soon as the costumes come off. And as a first step, limit the temptations around your home.
- Steer clear of sales – Avoid the clearance candy after Halloween. It may be a great deal but it only brings an overabundance of junk food into the house.
- Handle any overflow of candy – Ration your kids Halloween candy, offering one per day as an after lunch treat. Freeze leftovers for special days.
Portion Control
“Eating healthy does not mean forgoing your favorite foods. Instead, focus on moderation and make time for exercise,” says El-Amin.
- Don't skip meals – Don’t skip meals to “save room” for a feast later in the day. This can make balancing meals difficult and lead to overeating. Eat a full breakfast before attending a mid-day or afternoon event so you don’t arrive with an empty stomach.
- Police your portions – Start with low calorie fillers before you begin feasting. A glass of water or some vegetables are great choices before digging into the heavier items. Skip seconds and send leftovers home with your guests.
- Lighten up – Make recipes healthier by substituting ingredients with less fat, sugar and calories. Also, watch the alcohol, as many drinks are high in calories.
Get Active
“The key to success is a combined focus on diet and exercise,” says El-Amin. “You don’t have to give up sweets entirely to eat healthy, and you don’t have to workout for hours a day to exercise well. You simply need to achieve balance.” El-Amin suggests making exercise easy and fun.
- Plan a group walk This will help you digest, burn calories and keep your energy level high so you can enjoy the festivities throughout the night.
- Make fitness a family affair – Enjoy a friendly game of football with your family on Thanksgiving morning. This will help you burn calories while working up an appetite as the turkey cooks. It’s also a great family tradition that can be enjoyed by all.
- Hit the mall – Combine holiday shopping with exercise by taking laps around the mall. Not only will you be able to scout the best sales, but you’ll burn calories at the same time.
El-Amin is committed to healthy learning and will be hosting a session focused on the importance of eating well and exercise during Northwestern Memorial's Wellness Wednesday series this month. For information, call Health Resources at 312-926-8400. For more information on nutrition or services offered at Northwestern Memorial's Center for Integrative Medicine and Wellness, visit www.nmpg.com or call (312) 926-DOCS (3627).
Media Contact:
Angela Salerno
Media Relations Associate
312-926-8327
asalerno@nmh.org