Have a Healthy Holiday – Our Top Ten Tips
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- November 16, 2020
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The holidays are rapidly approaching, and with this year looking a little different for most of us, many are striving to make this holiday season as “normal” as possible. With that sense of normalcy, comes many traditional, and very enticing comfort foods that just wouldn’t make the holidays feel complete without them. You can enjoy a healthy holiday while still indulging in some comfort food. Use our top ten tips to avoid overindulgence during the holiday season.
We understand the holidays are not a time to deprive yourself. Especially after the year we’ve had. Instead, using our tips and recipes below you can make it through the holidays without needing a dieting resolution in the New Year.
Choose your splurge. When looking over a holiday menu, focus on one or two holiday favorites instead of loading up on things you can have anytime.
Use the 50/50 Rule. Half your plate should be colorful vegetables and fruits.
Visit with people, not food. If you tend to graze, move your socializing away from food areas so you won’t be tempted to mindlessly eat.
Don’t stuff. You know the feeling when you’ve had too much of a good thing. Stop eating before you reach that point. You can always save some for later.
Take a pause. It’s so tempting to go for seconds when everything is delicious. Take a ten-minute pause in between servings to ensure you’re really still hungry.
Don’t skip meals. Sometimes we believe skipping meals allows us to indulge more later. This strategy can backfire because we tend to overeat when we’re ravenous, consuming more than we would have normally. Have a healthy, small meal earlier in the day to curb overeating.
Bring a healthy dish. Contribute your own healthy comfort food so you know you’ll have at least one healthy option. Check out our recipes below for inspiration.
Drink Responsibly. One cup of eggnog can have up to 500 calories. Alcoholic drinks can have 125 to 225 calories on average. If you choose to drink, practice moderation and drink water or another hydrating, calorie-free beverage in between. You’ll cut empty calories and feel refreshed the next day.
Get Physical. When the music comes on, get dancing. Plan a walk or workout before any holiday gathering or organize a post-meal walk for family and friends. It’s a great way to spend time together while allowing your body to work off some of those extra calories.
Leave the guilt at the door. If you do indulge during the holidays, don’t worry too much about it. This is a time to relax and feel good. Just make efforts to get back on track the next day.
Now that you have your holiday party strategies in place, how about trying some of our staff’s favorite healthy recipes for the holiday!
While chocolate sounds indulgent, this recipe contains a ton of antioxidants and protein and is a great pick me up! Recipe from Cooking Light – for more great holiday recipe ideas click HERE
Ingredients
Directions
Combine 2/3 cup boiling water and chopped chocolate in a medium saucepan, stirring until chocolate melts. Add milk and next 4 ingredients (through rind); cook over medium-low heat, stirring with a whisk. Heat 5 minutes or until tiny bubbles form around edge of pan, stirring frequently (do not boil). Discard rind. Pour 1 cup mixture into each of 4 mugs. Spoon 1 tablespoon whipped topping over each serving. Dust with cocoa powder, if desired.
Shrimp are a great low
-calorie high protein choice, and the creamy avocado is a great source of Omega fats, making this recipe a winner for a healthy holiday treat. Recipe from Flavor the Moments. For more paleo or gluten free appetizer ideas visit the site HERE.
Ingredients
For the avocado ranch:
For the blackened seasoning:
For the shrimp:
Directions:
Balsamic vinegar and parmesan make a healthy side dish without all the creamy calorie laden ingredients our favorite green bean casserole might have. You’ll get a sweet, caramelized flavor without all the added calories and carbs. Plus it’s super simple to prepare!
For more healthy holiday side recipes from Eating Well click HERE.
Ingredients
Directions
Who can resist pecan pie? This version is bite sized so you can indulge without going overboard. Plus it subs fiber rich oats for a portion of the flour and healthy maple syrup for the traditional corn syrup, which makes this treat a winner. For more healthy holiday dessert ideas check out the Clean Eating Couple website HERE.
Ingredients
Directions
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