Staying in Tune with Your Mind and Body for Healthier, Happy Holidays

Have Healthy Foods Available at Holiday Meals

Find out what’s being served so you can plan to make or bring something healthy

• Make one or more healthy dishes to serve if you’re hosting
• Bring one or more healthy dishes to share if you’re a guest
• Ask the host, restaurant, or caterer what will be available, and request a healthy option if possible

Have a healthy snack in your purse or car just in case.

Have A Healthy Food at Each Course of a Holiday Meal

Always have something healthy on your plate

• Starters: Green salad, shrimp cocktail, fresh fruit, crudites or fresh vegetables, small portions of nuts or cheese
• Main course: Skinless turkey, fish, shrimp, or lean meat
• Sides: roasted vegetables, green or vegetable salads with dressing on the side
• Dessert: fresh fruit, nuts
• Beverage: ice water, ice water served with lemon wedges, orange slices, mint leaves, or other fruit or herbs, hot tea, black coffee, hot water with tea bags and cinnamon sticks

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After the Holiday Meal

Enjoy your holiday meal! Savor each bite. Then go back to your usual healthy choices.

Try to give away leftovers that you don’t want to eat.

• Pack up leftovers for guests or give them containers so they can pack their own.
• Give away any other leftovers to neighbors.
• Throw away leftovers if they’re unhealthy and you can’t find anyone who wants them.

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Stay Healthy the Rest of the Holiday Season

A holiday meal is small compared to the rest of December.

What can you do right now to feel proud or healthy? Can you…?

• Meet a friend for a walk
• Get a lower-calorie food or beverage with friends?
• Drink a glass of water?

“No, thank you” can be a great option.

• “No, thank you.”
• “No, thank you. I’m not hungry.”
• “No, thank you. My doctor said not to eat that.”

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The Holiday Season Can Be Stressful and Busy

There are often “extras” on top of your usual obligations like work, errands, and caring for others. 

• Gift shopping
• Social engagements
• Extra childcare
• Cooking, cleaning, and travel
• Extra expenses

What can you take away to reduce stress?

• Reduce the number of dinners, parties, and other events that you attend
• Simplify your menu: reduce the number of dishes you serve
• Ask guests to bring specific dishes or items so you can cook less
• Purchase some foods instead of cooking them
• Have a mystery person gift exchange instead of giving gifts to everyone

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