The holidays are rapidly approaching, and at Bodify, we know it’s easy to get swept up in the festivities and make unhealthy choices! After an unprecedented year full of uncertainty and stress, we all want to spend the season with our loved ones celebrating with feasts and cocktails. When we reopened in May, as Arizona’s number one CoolSculpting provider, we saw firsthand how many men and women had to work hard to get back into shape after quarantine, and for many, the year has continued to be full of stress. So, we get it, you want to celebrate and not feel guilty for doing so! But it’s important to remember that the choices we make when it comes to food and drinks during the holidays can have a lasting impact on our health and wellness!
At Bodify, we care deeply about the health and happiness of every client we serve. While many of our clients are already dedicated to living healthy lifestyles, we know firsthand how easy it is to veer off course during the holidays. Between the parties, family gatherings, and indulgent treats around every corner, even the most committed health-conscious individuals can find themselves struggling to stay on track.
That’s why we’re sharing some of our favorite tips for staying balanced this season—without missing out on the festivities. One of our best-kept secrets? Healthy recipes for Thanksgiving that are both delicious and waistline-friendly! Whether you’re hosting dinner or bringing a dish to share, you can make smart swaps without sacrificing flavor. Think roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze instead of candied yams, mashed cauliflower in place of buttery mashed potatoes, or a crustless pumpkin pie that still hits the spot.
With a little mindfulness and some smart prep, you can enjoy the holidays while continuing to feel confident and energized—inside and out. From all of us at Bodify, here’s to a happy, healthy, and delicious holiday season!
Tips for Eating Healthy During the Holiday Season
As we approach the holidays, it is the season for family, friends, festivities, and food.. Lots of food! There are temptations everywhere, and the holiday season lasts for weeks. What’s the harm in indulging? Well, according to the Harvard Health Blog, “By eating just 200 extra calories a day — a piece of pecan pie and a tumbler of eggnog here, a couple latkes and some butter cookies there — you could pack on two to three pounds over this five- to six-week period. That doesn’t sound like much, except few people shed that extra weight in the following months and years.” Yikes!
But don’t worry — staying healthy doesn’t mean missing out. With a few mindful strategies, you can enjoy the season and stay on track. (And don’t forget: these same strategies apply whether you’re preparing for summer trips or a cozy Romantic Valentine’s Day together-time idea that doesn’t involve feeling bloated from overindulgence!)
- Eat before you go. Before you head out to dinner or to a party, eat small regular meals throughout the day, and try to eat a nutritious snack before you go. Good pre-party snacks combine complex carbohydrates with protein and unsaturated fat like a slice of turkey and cheese on whole-wheat bread, or apple slices with peanut butter.
- Drink lots of water! Water is essential! And you need lots of it! Not only is water necessary for your overall health (and is essential for keeping your immune system strong), water helps you feel full and aids digestion. So, chug-chug-chug that H2O! Carry a reusable water bottle around with you, and 30 minutes before it’s time to eat, drink 8-16oz of water.
- Focus on produce! When you find yourself confronted with choices, load up on fruits and vegetables. Veggie and fruit trays are a much better option for snacking than chips and cookies, so head for the produce and salad options first. And when it comes to vegetable side dishes, be wary of ones slathered in fatty or sugary sauces. If you’re cooking the holiday meal, try roasting veggies lightly tossed in olive oil, garlic, and sea salt for a light, crispy, healthy side dish.
- Wait 10 minutes before you go for seconds. After you’ve eaten your plate full of healthy choices, wait ten minutes before you go back for more. That ten minutes will give your brain time to tell your stomach that you’re full. Drink some water, make conversation, and then recheck your appetite. Often, you will realize you’re full.
- Lighten up your recipes. You can reduce fat and calories without reducing taste with some of these substitutions.
- Replace an egg with 2 egg whites when baking.
- Instead of oil or butter, substitute applesauce.
- Instead of mayo, use reduced-fat Greek yogurt.
- Use fat-free versions of creamy ingredients such as sour cream, whipped cream, or yogurt
- In casseroles, use reduced-fat cheeses. You can also go for smaller amounts of strongly-flavored cheeses like parmesan or gruyere-a little goes a long way!
- Limit the cocktails. When you drink alcohol, your appetite increases, and your good judgment diminishes. Plus, alcoholic drinks are often full of sugar and calories (that you could enjoy on food options instead!). Wine, beer, and mixed drinks range from 150 to 225 calories. Alternate low-calorie alcohol drinks with lots of water throughout the evening, and be mindful of how much you’re consuming on those empty calories.
- Pay attention to what really matters. This year has been unlike any other. If you’re lucky enough to be healthy and surrounded by loved ones this holiday season, focus on the laughter and cheer you get to share with your loved ones. Indulge a bit (goodness knows, we’ve all earned it!), but don’t overdo it.
Bodify Is Arizona’s Number One CoolSculpting Provider
CoolSculpting isn’t a weight-loss treatment, but can help contour parts of your body that you may be self-conscious about. We are proud to be able to help our clients look their best so they feel their best, and we are proud to have performed more CoolSculpting treatments than any other CoolSculpting provider in Arizona. Get in touch with us today so we can answer your questions about whether our fat-freezing technology can help you be more confident!
