Here are some tips for maintaining healthy habits over the break.
- Incorporate all food groups: whether you host/attend a holiday gathering or cook for yourself, try to incorporate multiple food groups. (Learn More about Food Groups)
- Choose low calorie drink and/or dessert options: toast with water with lemon, or have fruit for dessert
- Adjust your holiday recipes to substitute healthier ingredients and/or reduce the amount (See Some Creative Recipe Ideas)
- Incorporate exercise into your activities: for example, have a fun walk with friends and family as part of your celebration
- Fill up your plate meats and/or veggies to satisfy hunger, so you aren’t tempted to load up on unhealthy treats
Additional Resources
- Healthy Holiday Eating for the Whole Family: https://www.med.umich.edu/pfans/_pdf/hetm-2018/1218-healthyholidayeating.pdf
- Healthy Meals for Busy Families: https://www.med.umich.edu/pfans/_pdf/hetm-2021/0921-makemealtimeeasy.pdf
- Eating Healthy on a Budget: https://www.umcvc.org/health-library/zx3463
UHS Tips
University Health Services has some helpful eating tips:
- Mindful eating: Instead of focusing on what we should eat, we overlook paying attention to how we are eating. Over the holidays, it is a good idea to slow down and pay attention to our food and really allow ourselves to enjoy it – in moderation.
- Sound Bites: With more time off, there is more opportunity to eat and snack over the holidays. Learn how to eat well, so you can be at your best.
- Make preparing healthy food over the holidays the easy way:
- ChooseMyPlate – Portion control, macro- and micro-nutrient analysis and budget-friendly recipes.
- BudgetByte$ – Quick and easy recipes, time-saving meal prep.
Tasty.co – Student-friendly recipes in 5-10 minutes, microwave prep.