“Healthy holiday eating is a battle on two fronts, with indulgent food options at home and at parties. From sugar cookies and eggnog to buffets and multi-course meals, the time between Halloween and New Year’s Eve is a minefield for eating well.

Even before the first invitation arrives, it’s helpful to set some realistic expectations. The holiday season is almost inevitably caloric and indulgent. In order to enjoy what friends, family and office parties have to offer, as well as lower some diet-related stress, focus on maintaining your weight rather than losing weight. Allow yourself more flexibility this time of year. There will be temptations in every direction, and with a little planning, you can indulge in your favorite foods while still eating well. If you’re currently on a weight loss plan, talk to your nutritionist or primary care physician about how to best approach — and enjoy — eating during the holiday season.

Increasing, or at least prioritizing, exercise can be beneficial during this period. Parking a little further away, walking when possible — even in the cold weather — can not only help you de-stress, but it can also help you keep your weight stable. But time during the holidays can be as scarce as sugar is plentiful. If you’re finding it hard to fit in fitness, break up your exercise into shorter 10‐ to 15-minute segments.

At the Holiday Party

No matter if they are sit-down family dinners or buffet-style office parties, social gatherings during the holiday season are full of indulgent foods that challenge healthy eating habits.”.

North Western Medicine (Healthy Eating Habits for the Holidays | Northwestern Medicine)