The holiday season is a time for celebrating with family and friends over food and drinks.  With a little thought and planning, you can still enjoy all the holidays have to offer with good nutrition and physical activity in mind!

Simple Healthy Holiday Tips

• Eat regular meals.  Skipping breakfast or lunch may cause you to overeat.  Don't arrive on an empty stomach.
• Focus on fun, not food.  Plan fun family activities and events that takes the focus off of food.
• Make fruits and vegetables the stars.  Remember to fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables.
• Bring a healthy dish to holiday gatherings.
• Choose small portions.  Choosing small portions allows you to control your calorie intake yet enjoy many different dishes offered.
• Sip smart.  Choose water and unsweetened drinks like tea instead of sugary drinks such as eggnog or hot chocolate.
• Find healthy distractions.  Talk to people during holiday parties, sit or stand away from the buffet table.
• Choose indulgences wisely.  Choose foods that are unique and special to the season.

Simple Recipe Swaps

• Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of butter and cream when making mashed potatoes.
• Substitute applesauce, mashed bananas or canned pumpkin for oil, margarine or butter in muffins, brownies or quick breads.
• Use whole-wheat flour as a substitute for white flour when baking.
• Use herbs or spices to give foods flavor instead of salt and sugar.
• Sprinkle salads with chopped nuts instead of croutons.
• Try low-fat plain Greek yogurt in place of sour cream and low-fat cream cheese in place of regular cream cheese.

Get Moving

• Go for a walk to look at holiday lights rather than driving.
• Take the stairs whenever possible.
• Try a new winter activity such as ice skating, snowshoeing or skiing.
• Make physical activity a family tradition by going for a walk after your holiday meal.
• Play in the snow or sand.

Happy holidays and a healthy New Year from the entire team at Learning ZoneXpress!