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Healthy Holiday Habits: 10 Do's and Don'ts

1. Do Maintain Daily Routine:

In anticipation of holiday office parties and family gatherings, it can be tempting as skip meals. But, eating regular meals ensures that you meet all your nutritional needs and prevents binging at that holiday party later. Summer Fresh Salad Shakers are a nutritious pack-and-go option if you find yourself time crunched leading up to the festive season.

2. Do Keep Active:

Maintaining regular physical activity can reduce the impact of holiday indulgences. Create a new tradition by encouraging the whole family to go out for a walk after a big festive meal to burn excess calories and enjoy time together.

3. Do Make Fibre Your Friend:

Whether you are lining up for the holiday buffet or passing bowls around family-style, filling your plate with high fibre vegetables and whole grains before you add other items will provide satiety with fewer calories.

4. Don't Strive to Do it All:

Avoid stress and keep your entertaining uncomplicated. One option is to a plan a potluck and ask guests to share the meal preparation. Or, simplify your menu by putting the effort into your turkey and then serving a selection of tasty and wholesome Summer Fresh Salads such as Wild Rice Salad with Cranberry and Butternut Squash, Wheatberry Salad and Multigrain Salad.

5. Do Practice Smart Snacking:

During the holidays the house is filled with all sorts of tempting candy, cookies, and other high calorie treats. Control your snacking by stocking wholesome options like a handy squeeze bottle of Summer Fresh Hummus to have with whole grain crackers and veggie sticks instead of grabbing the sweets.

6. Don't Drink Your Calories:

Eggnog, punch and cocktails contain empty calories. Keep hydrated and help prevent weight gain by drinking water more often during the holidays. For a tasty calorie-free spritzer, serve sparkling lemon water in a fancy glass garnished with a lime or lemon wedge and sprig of mint.

7. Do Get Enough Sleep:

Sleep is essential for emotional health and well-being to cope with the stresses of the holiday season. Studies also show that those who get at least 7 hours of sleep per night have can control their appetite and tend to maintain their weight better.

8. Do Be a Smart Chef:

There is a tendency to overdo everything during the holidays. Plan to wow your guests with one or two key dishes and keep everything else simple and straightforward. Looking for a simple appetizer with that wow-factor? Try one of the new Summer Fresh Layered Dip Kits and serve it in a trifle bowl for extra panache.

9. Do Give Back:

It doesn't have to be a big monetary donation; you can donate inexpensive canned goods to your local food bank or volunteer a couple of hours at a local charity. Caring for those who are less fortunate will really give your festive spirit a jumpstart.

10. Don't Be a Scrooge:

Trying to maintain a strict diet over the holidays can make you unhappy and ultimately cause a rebound effect where you abandon healthy eating principals altogether. It's okay to indulge a little, as long as you remember to practice portion control.




Amy Snider-Whitson
President, The Test Kitchen Incorporated

Amy Snider-Whitson has developed nutrition programs and guided food marketers to use health and diet messages responsibly and meaningfully.

She employs a battery of nutrition databases and has contacts at the CFIA, USDA, FDA and ADA with whom she frequently consults to help make responsible claims that can help consumers to lead healthier lives.

Contact Amy at amy@thetk.ca

Click to read Amy's Full Bio

Past Articles

• The Importance of Lunch

• Nutritious Harvest Vegetables

• Smart After School Snacks

• Summer Salad Days

• Weeknight Grill Buddies

• Seven Layer Heaven

• I Love Mom

• Spring Planting

• Nutrition Myths

• Family Day Fun

• Cupboard Clean-Up: Snack Attack

• Holiday Party Survival Guide

• Entertaining Special Diets

• Thanksgiving Shakedown

• Dinner Made Easy

• Glycemic Index Primer

• Summertime Switch Up

• Just For Men

• Mommy Love

• Spring Bounty

• Getting Kids to Eat Healthy Food

• Food for the Heart

• Countdown to improve your health


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