If you’re feeling anxious this holiday season, you’re not alone. With Thanksgiving and Christmas a month apart, houses are going to be steadily packed with people, games, gifts — and the most daunting: delicious food.
Holiday food can cause some discomfort for those of us watching our blood sugar, weight or general wellbeing. It doesn’t help that there are contradicting and unsubstantiated recommendations for holiday eating online.
Thankfully, some sources have it right: moderation is key. Just like binge eating during the holidays is unhealthy, being terrified of the food in front of you is unhealthy, too. Instead, you should enjoy the dishes your family loves in a healthy way.
Here are some holiday season nutrition myths that you should ignore this year, and what to do instead.
Myth #1: The best way to avoid weight gain is to “detox” before and after big meals.
Fasts or “detoxes” call for cutting calories and restricting yourself, sending you into starvation mode to help you lose a few quick pounds. Popular detox programs might help you lose weight in the short-term, but you’ll likely gain it all back at the end of the program, and your body can endure some damage in the process.
These kinds of programs are especially unhealthy for people with medical conditions like diabetes. Don’t believe the influencers who recommend holiday detoxes. Your liver and kidneys can do that for you.
Myth #2: You WILL gain weight during the holidays.
It’s normal to eat foods on Thanksgiving that you wouldn’t normally eat. It’s a celebration, after all. The key to making sure that the celebration doesn’t turn into weight gain is to eat in moderation and jump back to your normal diet after the holidays are over. Instead of saying no to your holiday cravings, listen to your body’s natural feeling of hunger. Don’t overeat, but don’t limit yourself, either.
If you come out on the other side of Thanksgiving knowing that you haven’t been as health-conscious as you usually are, let your slightly tighter jeans serve as a reminder to return to your healthier habits. Put away those stretchy Thanksgiving pants and listen to your body. After the holidays are over, be extra intentional about what you put in your body. Go back to eating lots of whole fruits and vegetables, and avoid sugary, high-carb foods with lots of trans fats.
Myth #3: Every dish on the table is unhealthy.
Wrong again. It’s all about what you put on your plate. Aim for a half-plate of vegetables. The remainder should consist of lean meat and high-fiber starch. And don’t feel alone — odds are at least one other person at the dinner table will be celebrating with their weight and health in mind, so try to talk to the host about healthy food options.
Pot-lucking holiday meals is a great way to incorporate some variety. Being able to make your own food can bring dishes that fit into your diet or have more whole fruits and vegetables than the typical starchy dishes.
In essence, be kind to your body this Thanksgiving. Give it plenty of fruits, vegetables and water, and don’t be afraid to eat the foods you love in moderation.
For more information on staying healthy during the holidays, head to the QualChoice website.