How to Plan Healthy Meals for Your Family during the Busy Holiday Season

Many people agree that their dietary and health goals start to slip during the holiday season. Whether you are too busy with holiday activities or you can’t resist the Christmas treats from the neighbors, there is no excuse to let your health goals fall through the cracks! One of the ways that you can stay committed to your health goals during the holidays is to make sure that you have plenty of healthy meals prepared for your family. By filling up on nutrient-dense food during meal times, it is much easier to skip the treats and avoid the temptations of unhealthy food.

Plan in Advance

Since the Christmas season is a busy time of year, it is important that you plan in advance. Take some time to write out your menu plan, write down the ingredients that will be needed, and have everything on hand so that you can quickly prepare the meal. By doing the planning in advance, you will be able to avoid the last-minute trips to the grocery store. Additionally, it is easier to avoid the temptation of going through the drive-thru when you know that there is food in the fridge that needs to be eaten.

Healthy Treats

When hunger hits, you might be tempted to reach for the Christmas fudge or holiday cookies. You can avoid these temptations by having healthier options available. Fill your fruit bowl with oranges, clementines, pears, and any other festive fruits that you want to enjoy during the holiday season.

Bring a Dish to Holiday Parties

If you are invited to a holiday party, offer to bring a dish of food. By contributing to the meal, you will know that you have at least one healthy option at the party. For example, you can bring a vegetable tray with a delicious Miso Tahini Dip, a salad, or a big bowl of fruit.

Find Substitutions for Traditional Dishes

One misunderstanding about healthy eating during the holidays is that you will have to give up some of your family traditional dishes. Don’t be fooled into thinking that you can’t enjoy delicious foods during this time of year! Instead of using the recipes that are loaded with unhealthy ingredients, find healthier substitutes online. There are a variety of “copycat” recipes that use healthier ingredients.

Digestive Supplements

Most people agree that it is difficult to avoid the treats and holiday foods. If you find yourself over-indulging in the wrong types of foods, then make sure to have digestive enzymes on hand to support your overall digestion.