Without food, the holiday season isn't complete for a lot of Filipinos. Food always takes center stage, whether it's at a midnight spread of Noche Buena and Media Noche, a family reunion, or an office Christmas party. As families get together to celebrate, tables are piled high with lechon, pancit, buko pandan, hamon, and kakanin. In order to indulge in traditional favorites, many people also set aside dieting.
Health officials continue to advise Filipinos, who have a deeply ingrained culture of abundance, to exercise moderation and select healthier meals and beverages throughout the holidays in order to prevent post-holiday problems including high blood pressure, indigestion, and raised blood sugar.
Susan Bowerman, Senior Director of Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training Chair at Herbalife Dietic Advisory Board and Outer Nutrition Advisory Board, stresses finding balance to prevent needless weight gain and additional stress in the new year, even though it's acceptable to reward yourself.
Bowerman shares five ways to satisfy cravings while staying healthy this holiday season:
Snacking is encouraged
When done properly, snacking can accomplish a number of goals. It's simpler to eat less during holiday feasts when you have a healthy, well-balanced snack that keeps you refreshed in between meals and helps reduce hunger.
Having a small snack before get-togethers can be beneficial because stressful conditions around the holidays can cause mindless munching. While crunchy meals like almonds, soy nuts, or tiny carrots might ease stress, high-protein options like a protein bar or a handful of unsalted nuts are excellent.
Stay hydrated
Water is necessary for the body to absorb nutrients, process food, and eliminate waste. A healthy immune system is also supported by maintaining adequate hydration.
Your regular consumption may include additional fluids. Tea and coffee are acceptable, but watch out for beverages that are heavy in calories, sugar, or fat. If coffee interferes with your sleep, limit your intake to the morning or switch to herbal or decaf tea to get a good night's sleep.
Prioritize protein and veggies
Holiday meals may be heavy in calories but deficient in vital nutrients. Including veggies and protein at every meal while cutting back on refined carbohydrates and added fats is one way to eat healthier.
Foods high in protein, such as meat, poultry, eggs, and legumes, are satisfying and provide important minerals like iron, zinc, magnesium, vitamin E, and B vitamins. Your body receives significant nutritional benefits when you reduce empty calories and boost protein.
Eat twice as many veggies and avoid starchy sides to increase your intake of vegetables. The additional fiber lowers your total calorie consumption while keeping you full.
Be Selective with Sweets
During the holidays, sweets and chocolates are unavoidable, but it's crucial to choose carefully. Despite the fact that many sweets are high in calories and might interfere with attempts to maintain a healthy weight, cravings frequently arise when energy levels are low or during stressful situations.
It's not necessary to completely eliminate them. Limit your intake to tiny portions of holiday-specific snacks and steer clear of less significant everyday sweets.
Think about making desserts for your family in a healthy approach. Fruit offers a natural sweetness and texture whether cooked or baked. Try roasting peaches or pineapple, broiling grapefruit or orange halves, or boiling sliced apples or plums with nutmeg or cinnamon. Bananas can be peeled, frozen, and then sliced or blended for a creamy dessert that resembles ice cream.
Walk it off
In addition to helping with digestion, walking is an easy way to get outside and decompress. Take some time after meals to roam around and take in the breathtaking sights that the holiday season has to offer. Frequent exercise has several advantages, such as increased energy, better joint mobility, and a general feeling of wellbeing.
You can maintain your health and vitality throughout the holidays by implementing these practices. It will be simpler to stick to healthy routines throughout the new year if you keep them for a longer period of time now.
About Herbalife Ltd.
Herbalife (NYSE: HLF) is a premier health and wellness company, community and platform that has been changing people’s lives with great nutrition products and a business opportunity for its independent distributors since 1980. The Company offers science-backed products to consumers in more than 90 markets through entrepreneurial distributors who provide one-on-one coaching and a supportive community that inspires their customers to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle to live their best life.
