The great fun and festivities of the holiday season bring with them the challenge of eating healthy amongst seemingly endless treats and parties.

Food is often the main attraction of holiday events, so it is important to stay focused on your healthy eating goals.

Pull a Healthy Holiday Swap

There are many healthy swaps that can be made in favorite holiday recipes to reduce their fat and calorie content. If you don’t want to miss out on favorite traditions, make these simple changes to the recipe to stay on track!

• Cut back on the butter or margarine in mashed potatoes and instead use low-sodium vegetable broth, herbs, and garlic for flavor.
• Substitute non-fat Greek yogurt for mayonnaise or sour cream.
• Remove skin from poultry before eating to cut back on fat and calories.
• Substitute a fruit puree (such as applesauce) for oil in muffins, quick breads, cakes or brownies.
• Substitute almonds or walnuts for croutons on salads or granola on yogurt.
• Substitute rolled oats for breadcrumbs.
• Serving a cheese tray? Make sure to choose whole wheat crackers and add fruit!

Fill Up on the Good Stuff

Be sure to include plenty of fruits and vegetables in all of your meals and snacks. It is a good idea to start with these healthy, low calorie options. If you curb your hunger with nutritious foods, you are less likely to eat too much of higher calorie options.

• Broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, and winter squash are in season during the holidays and are great vegetables to incorporate into every meal.
• A vegetable tray makes an excellent appetizer. Cut up some carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and peppers and you are ready to go! Be sure to serve with low-fat dressing or a dip made with low-fat yogurt!
• Throw a fruit salad together and serve it as a healthy side with dinner, or even as dessert!

Choose Your Treats Wisely

Around the holidays, we are surrounded by all kinds of holiday indulgences. It is important to think beforehand about what you will eat, what you will taste, and what you will do without.

If there is one holiday favorite that you can’t imagine your life without, have it! But remember to practice moderation. A small amount of this treat should satisfy your craving. If you deprive yourself of a favorite food, chances are you will wind up overdoing it later. So you should have your favorite treat, in an appropriate amount, and skip other high calorie holiday foods. 

Watch Out for Calories in Alcohol

Alcohol calories add up — fast! With all the celebrations you are sure to be offered a drink or two. So first, quench your thirst with some water or another non-caloric beverage. If you are thirsty, you are bound to drink more and consume too many liquid calories sipping on alcohol.

Along with adding calories, alcohol can lower your inhibitions and make it harder for you to resist some dangerous, high calorie foods.

Moderation is important if you are going to consume alcohol. Moderate alcohol consumption is defined as no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men.

Take the Focus Off of Food

So many holiday gatherings have a food focus, so mix it up with some non-edible activities! Make holiday decorations to give as gifts, play holiday themed games, or attend holiday events. Here are a few ideas to try!

• Visit a holiday light display
• Make holiday crafts with children
• Go sledding or ice skating

Plan in Exercise

Things can get pretty crazy around the holidays. Exercise can not only prevent holiday weight gain, but can also relieve stress. Two great reasons you should get moving this holiday season!

It is important to plan exercise into your day because when things get hectic, it is easy to put your workout routine on the backburner.

• If you can, try and workout in the morning before the day gets away from you. Maybe opt for a run or beginner yoga class.
• Go on a walk with a friend or family member who is in town for the holidays instead of going out for coffee or a drink.
• Going shopping? Park as far as you can from the supermarket or the shopping mall. Every bit of exercise counts!
• Didn’t get in your workout before the office? Be sure to take the stairs and go on a walk during your lunch break.