Have a "healthier" holiday season

1. Plan Ahead Outline your weekly meals and snacks, including healthier options. Knowing what you'll eat in advance can help you resist unhealthy temptations.

2. Mindful Eating Savor each bite, eat slowly, and pay attention to your body's hunger and fullness cues. This can help prevent overeating.

3. Portion Control Use smaller plates and utensils to help control portion sizes. Don't feel pressured to finish everything on your plate if you're satisfied.

4. Stay Hydrated Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Sometimes, our bodies confuse thirst with hunger.

5. Prioritize Protein Include lean sources of protein in your meals. Protein can help you feel full and satisfied.

6. Balanced Meals Aim for balanced meals that include vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. This can help stabilize your blood sugar levels.

7. Limit Liquid Calories Be mindful of holiday drinks like eggnog and sugary cocktails, as they can add a lot of extra calories. Opt for lighter alternatives or limit your intake.

8. Healthy Snacks Keep healthy snacks, like nuts, fruits, and yogurt, readily available to curb cravings.

9. Stay Active Continue or start an exercise routine during December. Physical activity can help counterbalance extra holiday calories.

10. Social Support Share your health goals with friends or family members who can help keep you accountable and offer support.

11. Treat Yourself Occasionally It's okay to enjoy your favorite holiday treats in moderation. Just be mindful of portion sizes.

12. Practice Stress Management High-stress levels can lead to emotional eating. Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.

13. Sleep Well Aim for quality sleep as lack of sleep can affect hunger hormones and lead to overeating.

14. Healthy Substitutions Experiment with healthier ingredient swaps in your favorite holiday recipes, such as using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or applesauce instead of sugar.

15. Stay Informed Educate yourself about the nutritional content of common holiday foods so you can make informed choices.

16. Limit Buffet Grazing If you're at a buffet-style event, survey the options first before loading your plate. Choose a reasonable amount of your favorites.

17. Stay Accountable Keep a food journal or use a nutrition app to track what you eat. This can help you stay aware of your choices.

18. Set Realistic Goals Instead of striving for perfection, focus on maintaining a healthy balance during December. Small, sustainable changes are more likely to stick.

Remember, it's okay to enjoy holiday treats, but moderation and mindfulness are key to staying healthy during the festive season. Enjoy the season while also taking care of your well-being.