Eating Healthy Over the Holidays

The holiday season is a time to enjoy family & friends, a time to relax and take a break from school. It is not a time to over-indulge in high-fat, unhealthy foods and stop your exercise routine.
Eating healthy over the holidays is not as hard as it sounds. You can make smart food choices without sacrificing the good tasting foods that you crave around this time of year.

Tip #1 :Substitute high-fat foods with low-fat foods

• Eat fruit salad to satisfy your sweet tooth instead of cookies and pie..
• Try steamed veggies instead of casseroles.
  
• Drink apple cider at holiday parties instead of eggnog.
• Eat lean turkey and chicken breast instead of beef prime rib.
• Go for the plain potatoes instead of potato salad.

Tip#2: Avoid Over-Indulging

• Eat some fruit, a sandwich or a small salad before going to a holiday party/dinner.
• Eat a healthy breakfast: This will decrease the chances of you over-eating during the day.
• Leave the table when you are done, this will help you resist the temptation of getting that second plate of food.
• Eat slowly, take small bites and chew slowly: Take time to enjoy your food.
  

Tip#3:Practice Self-Discipline

• If you must have a piece of your mom's apple pie eat ONLY one piece.
• Go outside and take a run around your neighborhood, take a friend or family member with you.
• Remember the hard work that you have put in up until this point, do not sabotage your athletic performance by over-indulging and becoming inactive during this holiday season.

Will you be "naughty" or "nice" during this holiday season? There isn't a Sports Nutrition Santa around to watch you during the holiday season but your waistline & athletic performance will reveal if you were "naughty" or "nice" during this holiday season. Enjoy your holiday and be smart!

Happy Holidays!