Food is central to many Filipino holiday celebrations. Food is always central during family reunions, corporate Christmas parties, and the midnight spreads of Noche Buena and Media Noche. As families celebrate, tables are overflowing with lechon, pancit, buko pandan, hamon, and kakanin. Many people abandon diets to enjoy traditional cuisine.
With a culture of abundance deeply rooted in tradition, health experts continue to encourage Filipinos to practice moderation and choose healthier meals and beverages throughout the holidays to avoid post-holiday ailments such as high blood pressure, indigestion, and high blood sugar.
While it is acceptable to treat yourself, Susan Bowerman, Senior Director of Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training and Chair of the Herbalife Dietic Advisory Board and Outer Nutrition Advisory Board, emphasizes the importance of striking a balance in the new year to avoid unwanted weight gain and stress.
Bowerman shares five ways to satisfy cravings while staying healthy this holiday season:
Snacking is encouraged
Snacking, when done appropriately, can serve multiple purposes. A nutritious, balanced snack keeps you energized between meals and helps you control your appetite, allowing you to eat less during holiday feasts.
Stressful situations during the holidays can lead to thoughtless eating, so having a light snack before parties may be useful. High-protein snacks, such as a handful of unsalted nuts or a protein bar, are beneficial, while crunchy foods, such as almonds, soy nuts, or tiny carrots, can reduce tension.
Stay hydrated
Water is necessary for nutrient absorption, digestion, and waste disposal in the body. Staying hydrated also fosters a strong immune system.
Other fluids can also augment your normal intake. Coffee and tea qualify, but avoid drinks high in sugar, fat, and calories. If coffee disturbs your sleep, limit your consumption to the morning or switch to decaf or herbal tea to support restful sleep.
Prioritize protein and veggies
Holiday meals may be high in calories but low in vital nutrients. One way to eat healthily is to include protein and vegetables in every meal while avoiding processed carbohydrates and extra fats.
Protein-rich foods such as meat, poultry, eggs, and legumes are filling and include critical minerals like B vitamins, vitamin E, iron, zinc, and magnesium. Adding protein while lowering empty calories gives your body additional nutritional benefits.
To boost vegetable consumption, eat more veggies and minimize starchy foods. The extra fiber keeps you full while reducing your calorie intake.
Be Selective with Sweets
Sweets and pastries are unavoidable over the holidays, but it is vital to choose wisely. Cravings are common when energy levels decrease or during stressful times, but many desserts are high in calories and can undermine efforts to maintain a healthy weight.
You do not have to remove them completely. Limit yourself to small quantities of innovative holiday treats and avoid traditional sweets.
Consider preparing healthier snacks for your family. Cooking or baking using fruit adds natural sweetness and texture. Try broiling grapefruit or orange halves, roasting peaches or pineapple, or sautéing sliced apples or plums with cinnamon or nutmeg. Bananas can be peeled, frozen, and then sliced or combined to make a creamy dessert similar to ice cream.
Walk it off
Walking not only aids digestion, but it is also a simple way to get outside and clear your mind. The Christmas season affords gorgeous scenery, so take time after meals to go for a walk and enjoy your surroundings. Regular physical activity has a number of advantages, including improved joint mobility, higher energy, and an overall sense of well-being.
Incorporating these practices during the holidays will help you stay healthy and energetic. The longer you keep to healthy routines now, the easier it will be to maintain them in the coming year.
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.
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