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Denise Austin

Healthy Holiday Eating Made Simple: 5 Realistic Tips You Can Actually Stick To

Denise Austin
by Denise Austin | 
 | 
Nutrition
Hi everyone! I love holiday food - the homemade goodies, family favorites, and fun indulgences are always something I look forward to this time of year. To help keep me on track - and so I feel good about trying all the foods I want! - I follow a few simple tips to help keep me on track. If you want to indulge this holiday season, give these a try - they will help you manage a healthy weight, and fuel your day, too!

1) Start with a protein- and fiber-rich breakfast. This is usually the one meal you have control over, so make it a healthy one! I love to have protein (eggs, cottage cheese, or a smoothie with Greek yogurt, like the smoothie recipes in my 25 Days of Fitness program in my Membership) to help fill me up and give me the energy to move all day long! I also make sure I have some fiber in there, too - oatmeal, fruit or a whole grain toast. Bonus tip: Supplement a less-than-healthy breakfast with a scoop of cottage cheese or a salad later in the day, to even out your daily nutrient intake.

2) Keep healthy snacks prepped and ready. I love cut up veggies and hummus as a snack - it is filling, savory, and offers up immune-boosting antioxidants. Plus the chickpeas in hummus are a good plant-based source of fiber and protein. Bonus tip: I keep small bags of healthy trail mix (walnuts, some dried fruit and a few dark chocolate chips) in my bag so I can snack healthy on the go!

3) Stock up on teas. Staying hydrated is important not only to keep hunger pangs at bay, but during the winter months, our skin can get dried out. I love to sip on decaf teas this time of year to give me a taste of something that is warming, but also to keep my skin feeling great. Bonus tip: Staying hydrated can help keep your immune system healthy too!

4) Save half for later (or split with someone!). I try to do this when having lunch with family or friends - I save half for later or split an entree with someone. Not only is this budget-friendly, but it helps to keep overall daily calories on track. Then I know I can indulge in a delicious meal later in the day or week ahead! Bonus tip: Order veggie-based sides, like steamed broccoli or coleslaw. The fiber will fill you up with less calories than fries.

5) When you do indulge, enjoy it! Life is too short not to taste the foods you really enjoy. Just take smaller portions, and go back for seconds if you are still hungry. It's the holidays - treat yourself!

For healthy recipes to help keep you on track, join my Membership and try my Eat Like Denise Plan! Yummy, easy recipes that will fuel you body!

Let’s live FIT, HAPPY and HEALTHY - together!!
Denise