How To Eat Healthy During The Holidays

However, with some planning and preparation it is easy to keep your family on track so when January rolls around you don’t feel so guilty. Deborah Boutwell, a registered Dietician at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, says it’s all about balance. She offers these tips for your family to stay healthy during the holidays:

•Have a plan. If you know your family is going to a party or a get-together where there will be lots of food, be proactive and don’t go hungry. Have a light snack of fruit, veggies or low-fat cheese before the event.

•Establish the one-trip rule. This means children can make one trip through the food line, and if they want more they need to ask you before they go back.

•Fill your plate first with vegetables, fruits and salad before diving into the entrees and desserts, and encourage family members to do the same. Keep in mind that a person’s rounded palm equals ½ cup and is an appropriate portion size for most foods.

•Any time people eat more sugar and treats they’re out of their normal rhythm. Over-eating and too many sweet treats during the holidays can disrupt children’s sleep-and when children are not sleeping as well it affects their mood and behavior. To avoid a downward spiral, Boutwell suggests these tips to keep your child healthy and happy:

•Plan accordingly. Allow your children to have an extra nap in the afternoon if necessary.

•Make sure children have their last sweet treat or snack at least an hour before bedtime.

•Make sure children get at least one regular meal throughout the day.

Contacts and sources:
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

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