December 13, 2019  -  Health & Wellness

Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating for Seniors

Time flies! It’s already the holiday season and that means a whirlwind of parties, holiday baking, and family feasts. During this festive time of year, it’s important for you to fully enjoy the holidays and allow yourself to indulge occasionally. But, it’s also important to make sure your splurges don’t ruin your diet.

So, how can you find the balance between enjoying all the deliciousness of the holidays while still practicing healthy eating habits? We’ve got some helpful tips to make it easier for you to enjoy your upcoming holiday parties and get-togethers with family.

7 Healthy Holiday Eating Tips

• Offer to Bring Something – While you might not have control over what other people bring to the party, you can do your part by offering to bring a healthy side dish or appetizer. That way, when in doubt you can reach for the healthy cauliflower or green beans you brought along.
• Follow the 80/20 Rule – If you know you’ll be splurging for dinner, make sure you eat a healthy and filling breakfast and lunch. Not only will this jumpstart healthy eating habits, but it will prevent you from going overboard during dinner. Reach for high-fiber fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to boost your metabolism.
• Fill up on Water – It’s ok to have a couple of alcoholic beverages while enjoying holiday festivities, but be sure you are drinking plenty of water the rest of the time. Holiday cocktails are typically full of sugar and can quickly add to your daily caloric intake. Staying hydrated will help you resist the temptation of reaching for unhealthier options.
• Use a Smaller Plate – One healthy holiday eating tip you may have never thought about is using a smaller plate. By keeping it small, you can only fit so much food on your plate so that you don’t overindulge. Try to strategically choose only a few items you really want to eat and then walk away from the table.
• Don’t Skip the Salad – A big mistake many people make is skipping the salad to save room for “better” options. Salads are full of healthy food choices and can help fill you up so you don’t splurge too much later on in the meal.
• Avoid Salt – Many older adults struggle with high blood pressure and water retention. While you may not have control over how your food is prepared at a party or gathering, you can make the conscious decision to avoid snacks and dishes you know will be high in sodium.
• Save Room for Dessert – At the holidays, you know you’re going to want to partake in cookies, chocolates, pies, and pastries. So instead of denying yourself, try leaving yourself room so you can enjoy them. Avoid appetizers, breads, or pastas. Cut back on other areas of the meal so you can indulge in dessert without any guilt.

Don’t let the holidays stress you out. By making healthier choices the majority of the time, you will feel more comfortable indulging during the holidays, when there are plenty of opportunities to do so. This time of year is all about enjoying yourself with friends and family. If you enjoy yourself a little too much, do your best to get back on track the next day. Listen to your body and make healthy holiday eating decisions that you can feel proud of.

Pursue a Healthier and Carefree Lifestyle at Peregrine Senior Living

One of the biggest benefits of senior living communities is the freedom you gain. At Peregrine Senior Living, we encourage our residents to pursue a healthier lifestyle through exercise, social interaction and healthy eating options. With our supportive staff helping with all the tasks of daily living, you are free to focus on your health and wellbeing. Want to learn more? We encourage you to schedule a tour of one of our beautiful campuses by contacting us today.