Six Tips for Healthier Holiday Eating

The holiday season is a time to celebrate, connect with loved ones, and enjoy seasonal treats. But with so many tempting goodies, it’s easy to overdo it and feel less than your best. To help you enjoy the festivities without the drawbacks of overindulging, here are six practical tips for healthier holiday eating.

1. Don’t Skip Meals
Skipping meals to “save room” for a future feast makes it much more likely that you’ll overeat later. Instead, try eating a healthy breakfast or a sensible late-morning snack to keep your blood sugar stable and help you avoid the urge to overindulge during the “main event.”

2. Choose Reasonable Portions
Holiday spreads are undeniably tempting, but there’s no need to deprive yourself. Start with smaller portions and focus on your favorites—those special dishes you look forward to all year. You can always go back for seconds if you’re still hungry. And remember, leftovers are part of the fun!

3. Practice Mindful Eating
Take your time when eating. Chewing slowly not only lets you enjoy the flavors but also helps your brain catch up with your stomach, so you feel full before overeating. Eat until you’re full, not stuffed, and wait 10–20 minutes before going back for more.

4. Master the Workplace Snack Trap
The workplace can add to seasonal overeating, as people try to offload their holiday overflow onto their coworkers. Do your best not to graze all day long. Drinking some water every time you indulge in a treat is one way to boost fullness and put the brakes on snacking, as is bringing along healthy snacks to curb temptation.

5. Stay Hydrated
Speaking of drinking water, it’s easy to mistake thirst for hunger, especially during busy celebrations. Keep water handy and sip frequently throughout the day. Staying hydrated can also help you resist overdoing sugary drinks or cocktails, which can quickly add up in calories.

6. Take a Walk
Walking, especially after big meals, can boost mood, improve digestion, and offset some of those inevitable extra calories—and stresses—that can accompany year-end socialization.

The holidays are about joy and connection, not perfection or regret. You’ll probably eat more than you need to, and that’s okay! Give yourself permission to enjoy the season’s delights; with a little mindfulness, you can avoid the sluggishness and self-criticism that go along with overindulgence.

Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season from all of us at SOFHA!