The holidays can offer a serious disruption to your routine. Baked goods, chocolate, booze, and candies appear out of nowhere. Timing can also be tight, so you’re reaching for takeout and junk food to help you power through.
No sane individual is going to tell somebody to avoid all of the treats that make the holidays the holidays. And truthfully, indulging on occasion is probably good for you.
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But don’t let the seasonal snacks completely derail your positive habits. If you do, you could find yourself feeling a lot worse than you should.
One thing that’s important to pay attention to during the holidays is fiber. Getting enough fiber will help keep your gut bacterial population in decent shape, promote regular and healthy bowel movements, as well as do some work to keep your heart health and potentially limit any boosts in cholesterol caused by a bit of extra sugar this time of year.
So how are you going to fit in? By remembering what healthy eating looks like. Snack on fruits when you’re hungry, and do your best to include vegetables at every meal. A fiber-rich breakfast every day is a great way to boost intake, too,
Whole grain toast, oats, and some fruit and nuts can add a few extra grams of fiber.
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Save the snacks and takeout for special times. If you’re out at malls or holiday gatherings, don’t be afraid to pack your own snacks. Instead of hitting a food court or shoving down a candy bar, reach into your pocket or bag for some carrots, nuts, or an apple.
Same for parties. Eat a healthy meal, or at least a snack, before heading out. This can help you avoid snacking on candy or appetizers, which are typically fiber-empty and not great for your gut.
Enjoy the taste of the season; just remember to supplement it with a healthy diet (most of the time) and plenty of fiber.
About eight years ago, Mat Lecompte had an epiphany. He’d been ignoring his health and suddenly realized he needed to do something about it. Since then, through hard work, determination and plenty of education, he has transformed his life. He’s changed his body composition by learning the ins and outs of nutrition, exercise, and fitness and wants to share his knowledge with you. Starting as a journalist over 10 years ago, Mat has not only honed his belief system and approach with practical experience, but he has also worked closely with nutritionists, dieticians, athletes, and fitness professionals. He embraces natural healing methods and believes that diet, exercise and willpower are the foundation of a healthy, happy, and drug-free existence.
