6 healthy tips for the holidays!

So what are practical, easy-to-apply AND healthy tips for the holidays?

Always tricky...

It is difficult not to fall into traps such as sugary snacks and a greasy bite while hanging out with your friends and family who may not look so closely when it comes to healthy eating. And of course it is fine to indulge once in a while and not pay attention to anything for a while, but during the December month it is very often party time.

If you overdo yourself during this period, you might find yourself working hard from January to summer to work off the accumulated kilos from December. This, of course, is unnecessary.

You don't want to feel like an outsider. You don't want to bring your own meal and snacks. You just want to enjoy and relax! But you also don't want to feel bloated and tired after the holidays, that your trousers are a bit tighter and your skin has become unsettled. Right?

Temptations are everywhere. Maybe you find it very difficult and not fun to constantly deprive yourself of things and say 'no' to everything at this time of year. Again, it's all about balance, eating well and enjoying yourself while not losing sight of your health. Because, of course, what you want most is to keep your good energy, stay at a healthy weight and feel good in your own body.

With a little thoughtfulness and with these simple steps, your holidays will be better balanced, which may keep you from gaining those extra pounds on your hips and that pimple on your chin.

My 6 healthy tips for the holidays:

1) Planning ahead

Most parties feature snacks like baguettes, cheese, salads and lots of sweets. So make sure you eat something before you leave home. The less 'hungry' you are the less you eat of the 'wrong' thing and the less inclined you are to eat more of the 'wrong' thing because you are 'busy now anyway'.

Some of my favourite snacks/meals before I head out the door are:

• A healthy protein source, such as chicken breast with avocado and sea salt
• A handful of nuts and a piece of fruit
• A smoothie
• A cup of homemade soup
• A chestnut cracker with butter and tahini, or with avocado and tomatoes or with a homemade hummus.
• A balanced salad with a healthy protein source, good fats and vegetables.

2) Keep it simple

Make sure the meals you eat are easily digestible. And if you eat with friends or family, Then leave the toasts, bread and sauces for once and eat more vegetables dipped in, for example, humus and snacks like olives and salmon. To feel satiated, make sure you combine good proteins, fresh vegetables and healthy fats.

If you keep your meals as simple, fresh and natural as possible, your digestion and your waistline will thank you!

3) Healthy eating out

When you eat out, the same 'rules' apply as when you eat at home; Always combine a good carbohydrate with a healthy protein and a healthy fat source. It is easier to maintain your healthy weight and nice mood if your blood sugar is balanced. And this is possible if you eat the right food combinations. Examples:

• Choose an appetiser such as a salad, olives, fish/shellfish.
• Choose grilled, baked or steamed salmon, chicken, fish, seafood or meat. Ask for extra vegetables and/or unpolished rice instead of bread and chips.
• Ask for a combination of a little carbohydrate (brown rice, sweet potato, pulses), vegetables and protein (vlles, fish, egg). Ask if your vegetables can be steamed, roasted or sautéed in garlic and olive oil.
• Ask for soups and salads without dairy, binders (wheat) and croutons.
• If you have an unquenchable urge to order dessert, order it nicely. You really don't need to start depriving yourself of everything during the holidays. The best choice, of course, is a bowl of fresh fruit.

4) Being sensible with alcohol

Remember that alcohol lowers your inhibitions and can therefore cause you to eat more or choose food that does not serve your body. All alcohol is harmful, and your liver has to work overtime to convert it. If your liver is too busy to convert alcohol, it is unable to break down "fattening" hormones like oestrogen! Ai. Would you still like to have a glass of alcohol, Then opt for red wine or a glass of vodka diluted with Spa red. And alternate this with water.

5) Relax!

We are often stressed during holidays. If we eat while experiencing stress, our digestion will not be able to do its job properly. So take regular deep breaths from your belly and Be aware of what you eat. You are then also better able to turn down sweets.

6) Bring your own treats

Kill two birds with one stone by bringing a homemade healthy snack. You have a present for the hostess, and at the same time you are assured of a healthy snack.

Good luck with these healthy tips for the holidays!