Easy Tips To Eat Healthy Over The Christmas Holidays

CHARLOTTE, NC — It's really hard to be mindful of what we eat during the holidays, but some planning can help make sure you have balance between healthy eating and overindulgence.

Registered dietitian Kimberly Spatola at Novant Health says that being realistic is really key.

"Don't let food stress you out more. Don't put added extra added pressure on yourself to eat a certain way. No one's perfect. The holidays are not a time to really change anything," said Spatola.

For instance, starting a diet right before you travel to eat Christmas Eve cookies, eggnog, and then Christmas dinner is not going to work.

But to avoid overindulging and feeling that sluggish regret, she advises taking your time and enjoying the moment.

"One of the biggest things I think people can do is just really slow down and take their time with eating," said Spatola. "It usually takes about at least 20 minutes for the signals in your stomach to tell your brain that you're full. So by helping to just slow down and take your time and enjoy the people, it will help you be more in touch with those hunger fullness cues," she said.

She says when you're faced with a spread full of food, take a second to think about what you put the most of on your plate.

"Focus on getting some good fiber rich foods. So if there's a salad there, if there's green beans, really try to get to fill up on those fiber rich foods," she said. "Also making sure you're eating enough good protein too," said Spatola.

That way it will limit how much you eat of the stuff that can make you sluggish, like macaroni and cheese and other carb-loaded options.

She says making drastic changes is unrealistic, and to focus on adding in any healthy foods instead of subtracting everything you like to eat.