MAJAMAYO

Put your healthy eating plan on hold until later? Not so fast. Even with a lot going on and plenty of temptation at every table, it is possible to manage your weight and eat well. This season, take care of your body as carefully as you take care of your mind. These tips can help.

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Think ahead

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Whether you’re rushing from the mall to the holiday market or to your neighbor’s holiday party, nutritious, balanced meals will give you the energy you need to get through it all. It’s much easier to grab something on impulse, but it can be harder to make sure you’re making the best choice. If you set aside just 10 minutes each evening, it will be easier to stay healthy tomorrow. Pack a lunch or snack, or look up a healthy restaurant on your way to the store, for example.

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Plan wisely

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When you’re focused on healthy eating during the holiday season, it can be hard to keep track of all the special treats that appear every year. Try eating a snack, a small handful of nuts or a bowl of soup, before heading to a gathering. If you’re not hungry, it may be easier to make smart decisions about which foods are worth indulging in and which aren’t.

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Manage stress

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While you worry about how many guests to host, what to put on your holiday table, and how to finish signing all your cards, stress can climb to the point where your mood starts to affect your food choices. Comfort eating and mindless eating are common among people under pressure, so be sure to set aside some time to relax. Try quick mental breaks, such as 60-second meditations, or start a nightly bath ritual to help you unwind. Exercise is another great form of stress management (it also helps offset the calories in holiday cookies), so don’t skip your workouts.

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Choose your indulgences

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You can eat fully and have fun. Remember that healthy eating is about balance. Instead of loading up on mashed potatoes with butter, extra toppings, and sweet potatoes, fill the rest of your plate with vegetables and lean protein.

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Go easy on yourself

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It’s easy to eat holiday food that doesn’t fit your healthy eating plan and then feel guilty. Eating something with more calories or less nutritional value is not a failure. Although you can’t and shouldn’t eat this way all the time, an occasional small departure from your usual eating shouldn’t affect you much. Allow yourself these moments, and keep your promise to choose healthy food most of the time.