‘Tis the season to be jolly… but also to be mindful of what you’re eating and drinking! With all the holiday parties and gatherings, it’s easy to let loose and indulge a little bit too much. But before you do, know that there are some foods and drinks that can actually sabotage your health during this festive season. In this blog post, we will explore what you should eat and avoid during your festive holiday season. From sugary drinks to processed meats and more, read on to learn more about how you can keep yourself healthy during this time of year.

What is the festive holiday season?

The festive holiday season is a time of year when people celebrate with family and friends. There are many traditional foods and drinks that are consumed during this time, including Christmas pudding, mince pies, fruitcake, and eggnog. However, there are also some foods and drinks that should be avoided during the festive season. These include alcohol, sugary snacks, and fatty meats.

What are some tips for staying healthy during the festive holiday season?

Some tips for staying healthy during the festive holiday season include:

-getting plenty of exercise

-avoiding alcohol and sugary snacks

-drinking lots of water

-getting enough sleep

What are some traditional festive foods?

There are so many traditional festive foods to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are some of our favourites:

Christmas pudding: A must-have at any Christmas dinner, this dessert is usually made with dried fruit, suet and spices. It's then boiled or steamed for several hours before being served with brandy butter or custard.

Mince pies: These sweet pies are traditionally made with a filling of minced meat, fruit and spices. They're the perfect bite-sized treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.

Roast turkey: No Christmas dinner would be complete without a roast turkey. This classic main course is usually served with all the trimmings, including Roast potatoes, roasted vegetables and cranberry sauce.
Christmas cake: This rich, fruit-filled cake is often decorated with marzipan and icing. It's the perfect way to finish off any Christmas feast.

Christmas cake: This rich, fruit-filled cake is often covered in marzipan and icing decorations. It's the perfect way to finish off any Christmas feast!
Pecan pie: This American classic is made with a sweet filling of pecans, sugar and corn syrup. It's often served at Thanksgiving but is also a popular Christmas dessert.

Fruitcake: This dense cake is packed with dried fruit, nuts and spices. It's a festive favourite that can be enjoyed on its own or iced and decorated.
Gingerbread: These spiced biscuits are often made in the shape of houses or people. They make a lovely Christmas treat or decoration.

What are some healthier alternatives to traditional festive foods?

All that feasting can take a toll on your health. So, if you’re looking for healthier alternatives to traditional festive foods, here are some ideas:

For starters, try swapping out heavy cream for lighter alternatives like skim milk or evaporated milk. instead of butter, opt for margarine or olive oil.

When it comes to main dishes, there are plenty of healthier options to choose from. Roast chicken or turkey is always a good option, and you can lighten up gravy by using low-sodium broth. For side dishes, try roasted vegetables instead of mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes. And instead of serving sugary desserts, opt for fruit salad or yogurt parfaits.

By making these simple swaps, you can enjoy all the flavor of your favorite holiday foods without all the guilt.

What are some things to avoid during the festive holiday season?

The festive holiday season is a time for family, friends, and celebrating. However, it’s also a time when our diets can take a toll. From rich food and drinks to late nights and stress, the holidays can make it difficult to stay on track with our health goals.

Here are some things to avoid during the festive holiday season:

1. Too much alcohol

While a glass of wine or champagne may be part of your holiday festivities, try to limit your alcohol intake. Too much alcohol can dehydrate your skin, cause weight gain, and disrupt your sleep.

2. Unhealthy snacks

It’s easy to indulge in unhealthy snacks during the holidays. From cookies and cakes to candied fruit and nuts, there are many tempting treats around this time of year. But, too many sugary snacks can lead to weight gain and cavities. 

3. Skipping meals

With all the holiday parties and gatherings, it can be tempting to skip meals. But, skipping meals can actually make you more likely to overeat later on. Make sure to eat regular meals throughout the day, even if you’re busy with holiday preparations.

4. Too much stress

From buying gifts and attending parties to preparing food and dealing with family dynamics, there’s a lot that can go wrong. 

Here are some things to avoid during the festive holiday season:

1. processed foods: These are often high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, which can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease.

2. alcohol: Too much alcohol can cause liver damage, cancer, and other health problems. It’s best to limit your intake or drink in moderation.

3. sugary drinks: Soda, energy drinks, and other sweetened beverages are loaded with sugar and calories, which can contribute to weight gain and obesity. They can also cause tooth decay.

4. unhealthy snacks: Potato chips, cookies, cake, and other holiday treats are typically high in fat and calories. Choose healthier options like fruits or nuts instead.

5. not getting enough sleep: Lack of sleep can weaken your immune system and increase your risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease or diabetes. Try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night during the holidays.
6. stress: Stress can take a toll on your physical and mental health. It can cause headaches, stomach problems, and anxiety. 

Conclusion

During the festive holiday season, it's important to be mindful of what you're eating and avoid overeating. There are a few things you can do to help yourself stay on track, such as planning ahead and keeping healthy snacks with you. It's also important to be aware of what foods are more likely to trigger cravings and overeating, such as sugary sweets and fatty meats. By following these tips, you can enjoy the festive season without putting your health at risk.