The fall holidays are a time of joy, celebration, and indulgence. 🍂🎃🦃🎄
From Halloween candy to Thanksgiving feasts and Christmas treats, it's no secret that this season can be a challenge for those striving to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
However, with a bit of planning and mindful choices, it's entirely possible to navigate these festivities without sacrificing your energy, waist size, and well-being. In this blog, we'll explore ten practical strategies for staying healthy during the fall holidays, allowing you to enjoy the season to the fullest, without any guilt or negative impact on your health.
#1 Prioritize Nutrition 🍏🥦
Fall is synonymous with comfort food, and while indulging in the occasional treat is perfectly acceptable, it's crucial to prioritize nutrition. Aim to maintain a balanced diet by including plenty of fruits and vegetables in your meals. Seasonal produce such as apples, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes can be star ingredients in healthy, satisfying dishes. Opt for whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins to keep your meals nutrient-rich and filling.
Ensuring you get your Restore every day will help you maintain your nutrition through the holidays. Did you know that Restore (Non-Professional) is for the whole family, five years old* and up?
Here is some feedback we've received from our youngest critics! 🌟
It's not every day that you win over such discerning taste buds, but we did it! Our picky little customers have given Restore's new flavors their seal of approval, and that's no small feat.
* Restore (not Restore Professional) can be given to children below five years of age with Doctor's approval, when the serving-size is adjusted for the child's weight.
#2 Plan Your Meals 📅🍽️
One of the most effective ways to stay healthy during the fall holidays is to plan your meals ahead of time. If you know you have a big Thanksgiving dinner or a holiday party coming up, make sure your other meals are lighter and include a good balance of nutrients. Having a plan in place will help you avoid excessive snacking and overindulging when the big events arrive.
#3 Practice Portion Control 🥗 ⚖️
During holiday gatherings, it's easy to load up your plate with more food than you need. To prevent overeating, practice portion control. Use smaller plates and utensils, and aim to fill half your plate with vegetables or salads before adding the richer, calorie-dense foods. Be mindful of your hunger cues and stop eating when you're satisfied, not when you're stuffed. Don't forget Restore has 22 grams of high-quality protein and 4 grams of dietary fiber to help you feel full!
#4 Stay Hydrated 💧💦
Don't forget to drink plenty of water during the fall holidays. Staying hydrated can help curb your appetite and prevent overeating. Sometimes, thirst can be mistaken for hunger, leading to unnecessary snacking. Carry a reusable water bottle with you to ensure you're sipping water throughout the day.
#5 Incorporate Physical Activity 🚶♂️🏞
Fall is a beautiful time to get outdoors and enjoy nature. Take advantage of the cooler weather by incorporating physical activity into your holiday routine. Whether it's going for a brisk walk, hiking in the colorful foliage, or playing a game of touch football with family and friends, staying active can help you burn off extra calories and boost your mood.
#6 Mindful Eating 🧘♀️🍴
Practicing mindful eating is a powerful tool for staying healthy during the fall holidays. Pay close attention to what you eat and savor each bite. Avoid distractions such as your phone or TV while eating, as this can lead to mindless overeating. By being present and fully engaged with your food, you'll be more in tune with your body's hunger and fullness signals.
When your gut biome is healthy and functioning properly, it's easier to be mindful of your eating. Check out our Gut Bootcamp if you are having cravings or digestive issues—you may just find some help.
#7 Choose Healthier Alternatives 🥗🥔
Many traditional fall holiday dishes can be high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Look for healthier alternatives or modify recipes to make them more nutritious. For example, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in mashed potatoes, or bake sweet potatoes with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a touch of honey instead of loading them with butter and brown sugar.
#8 Limit Alcohol Consumption 🍷🥂
Alcohol is often a significant part of holiday celebrations, but it can contribute to overeating and poor food choices. Limit your alcohol consumption and choose lighter options like spritzers and trendy mocktails. Be mindful of the empty calories in cocktails, and remember to drink responsibly.
Remember, alcohol is full of sugar. The more you know about how sugar affects your body, the more you may rethink that second glass of wine. Learn more in our blog: "Understanding Sugar: How It Affects Our Brain & Body."
#9 Bring Your Own Dish 🍽️🥦
If you're attending a holiday gathering, consider bringing a healthy dish to share. This ensures that you'll have at least one nutritious option available. Plus, it's an opportunity to introduce your friends and family to delicious, health-conscious recipes that they might enjoy.
Before you head out, make a delicious Restore smoothie to keep you fuller longer and give you nutritional support that can prevent overeating. Want some smoothie inspiration? Check out our Rejuvenation Blog: Smoothie Recipes.
#10 Manage Stress 🧘♂️🌼
The fall holidays can be a stressful time for many people. Stress can lead to emotional eating and poor food choices. Practice stress-management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to keep your stress levels in check. Prioritizing self-care can help you make healthier choices during this busy season. Learn more about stress in our blog: "The Real Cost of Stress: Not Knowing Could Be Killing You!"
Staying healthy during the holidays is not about depriving yourself of all the seasonal delights. Rather, it is about making mindful choices that allow you to enjoy the festivities without compromising your energy, waist size, or health.
By prioritizing nutrition, planning your meals, practicing portion control, staying hydrated, incorporating physical activity, and being mindful of your eating habits, you can navigate the fall holidays with ease and emerge from the season feeling healthy, energized, and fitting into the same-size clothes!
Remember, the holidays are a time to celebrate and create cherished memories with loved ones, and your health should be a priority throughout this joyful season. 🍂🌟🦃🎄
It’s your body. It’s your life. Ingredients matter.
Featured Products in This Article:
Dr. Tennant’s® Restore is an all-natural, biologically active formula. Restore contains superior quality ingredients in the most bioavailable form to rebuild your body at the cellular level, simplifying the solution for optimal health in just one serving per day.
Dr. Tennant’s® Gut Bootcamp helps reset the balance of the microbiome and mycobiome within the gut, in addition to helping the body cleanse and detox while improving intestinal wall integrity, reducing inflammation and supporting immune system modulation and regularity.