Healthy Holiday Eating

Healthy Holiday Eating

Simple Strategies from Our Pittsburgh Gym

Can you feel the seasons changing? The weather’s turning colder, and leaves are blanketing the ground – and that means the holidays are approaching! And so are those wonderful, calorie dense, traditional family recipes. It’s easy to overindulge this time of year, especially when facing holiday cookies, candy, and cake.

Yes, this is the time for family, friends, and food. But that doesn’t mean you have to abandon your healthy eating habits! Don’t stress about being good – just follow these simple strategies from our gym in Pittsburgh for staying on track with your nutrition goals.

Stick to your regular meal schedule as much as possible.
Try to avoid skipping meals and try not to overeat. It’s tempting to fill up on all of those holiday goodies, but try to resist! Eating smaller, more frequent meals and healthy snacks throughout the day will help to control your hunger and prevent you from overeating later.

Fill up on healthy food first.
When you sit down to a holiday meal, fill your plate with plenty of fruits and vegetables first. This will help you to eat less of the heavy, rich dishes.

Don’t neglect your exercise!
Just because it’s the holidays doesn’t mean you can skip your workouts. Exercise is a great way to offset all the holiday eating. Make sure to fit in some time at the gym for a calorie-burning bike ride or treadmill run.

Drink plenty of water.
Staying hydrated is always important, but it’s especially crucial during the holidays. Drinking plenty of water will help to fill you up too.

Make healthy swaps when possible.
If your favorite holiday dish is loaded with calories, try making a healthier version at home. There are lots of easy ways to lighten up your favorite recipes with lower fat and lower salt options.

Don’t be too hard on yourself if you do overindulge.
It’s okay to enjoy your favorite holiday food, just remember to do so in moderation. And go easy on yourself if you overdo it. Just get back on track with your healthy eating habits as soon as you can!

Enjoy the season, try to eat healthy, and don’t forget to exercise! If you need to work off some calories, our Pittsburgh fitness center is open 24/7!