CHOOSE HEALTHY DISHES
Your holiday meal can be healthy and good for you; fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains are commonly found on many holiday meal tables. Fill your plate with healthy foods and choose smaller portions of less healthy options.
SERVE HEALTHY DISHES
Make sure there are plenty of healthy food options if you’ re hosting for the holidays. If you’ re a guest, offer to bring a healthy side dish for holiday parties or family gatherings.
STAY ACTIVE You need to be physically active every day. Walk, run, hike, play sports and games outdoors. Physical activity helps improve your mood, helps you maintain a healthy weight, and it can help reinforce other healthy habits.
BEND BUT DON’ T BREAK
You don’ t have to wait until the new year to get get back on track with your healthy habits. The sooner you start making healthy choices the better it is for your overall health and wellness.
JUST A TASTE
You don’ t have to try everything on the holiday spread. However, there’ s a way that you can. Dish out a small bite of different dishes instead of large, heaping portions.
WAIT A MINUTE
Make sure you’ re still hungry before going back for more food. Wait at least 10 minutes to see if you’ re still hungry, and then go for an additional helping.
DON’ T SKIP MEALS
Fasting before a feast can lead to overeating. Eat smaller portions at your earlier meals, and have a light, healthy snack before your holiday get together.
DRINK WATER
Your beverages contribute to your overall calorie count. Choose water instead of alcoholic beverages or sugary drinks. Drinking water can also help you feel full and satisfied, which can keep you from overeating.
PUT IT ON YOUR PLATE
Grazing and snacking leads to overeating. It’ s difficult to tell just how much you’ ve eaten when you’ re mindlessly munching. Putting food on your plate helps you slow down and realize just what you’ re eating.
PREVENTION AND WELLNESS ISSUE | DECEMBER 2025 9 OURHEALTHNWA. COM