Last Updated on January 9, 2024 by Cathy
We are heading into the holiday season which brings family, friends, and parties. It also includes eating lots of cookies, candy, and other processed sugary treats. Holidays can be challenging but with these easy healthy holiday eating tips, it will be a breeze.
When I first started eating a clean diet, it was one week before Thanksgiving. Since I was new to this kind of eating I didn’t know what I could enjoy. That holiday season was the worst. I felt left out, deprived, and punished. I hated multiple sclerosis (MS) for stealing my life from being able to enjoy eating all those treats.
That was a long time ago and I don’t feel like that anymore. Now, I see those sugary treats as food that feed diseases. Such as autoimmune diseases, cancer, and heart disease. I don’t say anything to people unless they ask. You can’t change a person’s eating habits unless they want to change.
I’m lucky, everyone knows why I eat this way and they respect it. Unfortunately, not everyone is as lucky. My husband, for example, tries to eat healthy but people at work try hard to get him to stop.
If you are in the same situation, tell people it is for your health and if you don’t you will get worse. Hopefully, you won’t be in this situation but if you are you need to be strong and tell them – no.
You also need to be strong and avoid feeling tempted. Remember, sugar is toxic. There are no nutrients and it’s addictive. One bite of sugar and your body will be craving more so don’t take that first bite!
Sugar increases your risk for inflammatory diseases.
Staying on Track
In the beginning, I started avoiding special events so I won’t feel left out. But that leaves a person feeling depressed. The key is to plan ahead so you can still enjoy the holidays without feeling depressed.
Here are some tips I’ve learned to stay on track and keep from feeling left out:
Plan Ahead
Planning ahead is the key to your success. When going to a party or special dinner invite check out the menu. When going to a restaurant check to see if they have a menu on their website or call and ask.
If you are going to a party ask what they will be serving. If it’s a potluck that’s better, you’ll be able to bring something you can enjoy. Don’t tell people it’s gluten-free or paleo, people don’t want to hear it.
Eat before you go so you’re not hungry. I always do this even when I know they say there will be something you can eat. You never know what is in the ingredients, if it’s organic, or if the meat is pasture-raised.
For example, I’m working on removing mycotoxins (mold) from my body. Conventionally raised animals are grain-fed and grains are extremely high in mycotoxins. Along with alcohol, chocolate, dried fruit, and nuts (all holiday traditional treats).
Always Keep Healthy Foods Around You
Keep healthy snacks in your desk, purse, car, backpack, and even in your coat pocket. If you get hungry and there is nothing to eat you will be too tempted to eat something you know is not healthy.
If your office is planning a treat day bring something you and your coworkers can eat. Whenever my office was planning a pizza party for later that week. I would make a gluten and dairy-free pizza at home and bring it to work the day of the pizza party. It was delicious and I didn’t feel left out.
Traffic and weather get horrible this time of year. Be prepared by keeping something you can eat in your car. Aim for something that isn’t high in carbs like EPIC Bars, I find bison to taste the best, or Sprouted Pumpkin Seeds.
Healthy snacks on the go:
- Apple chips
- Coconut chips
- Dark chocolate
- Fruits and vegetables (apples, carrots, celery, grapes, etc.)
- Granola, or make your own
- Larabars (read the ingredients)
- Nuts
- Plantain Chips
- Pumpkin seeds
- SeaSnax
- Sunflower seeds
- Sweet potato chips
- That’s It bars
- Tortilla chips
Eat Before Leaving The House
Before leaving the house whether it’s to a party, shopping, or work eat first. If you go on an empty stomach where you know there are going to be treats, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Remind yourself why you are doing this in the first place.
If you continue to cheat, your body won’t be able to heal. The central nervous system is the slowest system in the body to heal, stay committed, and don’t give up! Don’t be tempted for that short bit of tasting enjoyment. Wouldn’t you rather have your MS go into remission permanently?
Stay Home
If you are hosting a dinner or staying home with your family keep it simple. Making a huge dinner is time-consuming and stressful. Roast a pasture-raised chicken the day before to snack on. Have lots of cut-up vegetables have almond butter to dip in. Have seasoned roasted vegetables, they are delicious.
This is a time to stay mindful and enjoy some great time and healthy food with your loved ones.
Exercise
Exercise, even if it’s just a little bit. It not only keeps your mind off of food but it’s also an anti-inflammatory, digestive aid, and mood booster. Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and especially important for people with MS.
Research shows mobility in MS patients improves and resistance training could help slow the disease progression. Exercise also improves bowel and bladder function and decreases fatigue which are all MS symptoms.
I use the online gym OptimalBody Personal Fitness. The gym is owned by David Lyons who also has MS so he knows what it feels like. This online gym uses tension bands to help MS patients at any level improve their strength and mobility.
Since joining, I’m walking more and able to walk up the stairs without swinging my legs out. I highly recommend OBP Fitness.
The most important exercise is to keep moving. Symptoms of MS include spasticity (extreme stiffness) and weakness. Walking, swimming, stretching, tai chi, and yoga are good options to try.
Don’t Stress Out
The holiday season is stressful! With shopping deadlines, crowds, traveling, and weather conditions. On top of holiday stress, there’s also the daily stress of living with MS. Between brain fog, chronic fatigue, and walking issues – it is stressful.
Then you add dietary restrictions, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Life is stressful enough, don’t let the holiday season get to you.
There is nothing wrong with telling people no or passing on invitations. Setting realistic goals, pacing yourself, and planning ahead can help elevate the stress. You and your health come first.
If you are feeling stressed lighten up in other areas. Lighten up on housework, your house doesn’t need to be perfect or delegate chores to others. Shop online to avoid crowds, I’ve been doing this for many years and enough for it more.
Relax with a holiday movie and a cup of holiday herbal tea. Such as Traditional Medicinals Peppermint or the rich spicy flavor of Yogi Detox which includes cinnamon and clove.
If you need help reach out to someone and seek help. Sometimes we all need a little help.
Healthy Holiday Eating Tips
‘Tis the season for joy and good food! Explore easy healthy holiday eating tips to savor the festivities guilt-free, like opting for roasted veggies instead of heavy sides. Don’t stress yourself, you don’t need to be perfect but that doesn’t mean eating some sugary treats. Instead, make your own healthy treats Pinterest is filled with many “paleo” or “anti-inflammatory” recipes you can enjoy. Or eat fruit, it’s nature’s candy.
The holidays aren’t about stuffing your face with sugary treats you’ll regret eating later. They are about spending time with your friends and family.
In the end, it’s about replacing unhealthy foods with better choices.
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Images by Terri Cnudde from Pixabay and RitaE from Pexels
5 Easy Healthy Holiday Eating Tips
