How to Eat Clean over the holidays

How to eat clean over the holidays

Now this may be a bit easier for you when you are the one making the food… the one calling the shots. But it is still possible to eat clean over the holidays when enjoying work parties or visiting with friends and family! 

You just need the right tools to success! The healthy options are out there. 

1. Load up on the veggies.

At a company party or a friends get together? Zone in on the veggie options.  Load up on the veggies to get full on that first before you are tempted by the pumpkin roll and fruit cake.

2. Ease up on the dairy!

Make sure to take it easy on the cheese! Everyone seems to love cheese plates, cheese platters.. but remember that just a few small cubes is considered one serving! (a pair of dice is all you need)

3. Take a seat!

Don’t mingle around the food table. If you’re chatting and hanging out by the tables of food, chances are you’re mindlessly shoving your face and not even thinking about it.

Grab a plate, fill it with the clean options that are available (veggies, fruits and meats) and take a seat to eat.

4. Be mindful of your beverage choices

Again, with the dairy... the eggnog, hot cocoa... take it easy and use these as a treat. Enjoy them but remember one is a serving. 

And as far as adult beverages are considered... Ask me and I'll tell you they are THE WORST thing you can consume if you're trying to keep your figure/weight loss/pant size in mind. 

They are not just empty calories. They alter your hormones. Alcohol actually slows the production of hormones that help you to burn fat and build muscle. So you can't just count it as a 500 calorie drink. You should also keep in mind how it is slowing your body down and reversing your hardwork in multiple ways.

I am not saying you have to abstain all together but just keep these things in mind and how hard you're working and the goals you're reaching. 

And also you may have heard before.. clear liquor is the lesser of all evils. (This coming from the girl who will pick the hoppiest beer with ABV % of 8. Oye! Now that's adult!)

Going to a party where you are afraid there won’t be healthy options?

You actually have 2 options in this scenario.

1. Eat before you go

I like to make a nice shakeO to drink in the car on the way there. That way I know I am getting in a healthy meal plus it’s going to hold me over in case there aren’t any healthy options to snack on.

2. Offer to bring a dish

Offer to bring something healthy to the party/event. The host will appreciate it and you can share your healthy option with others!

Try this for stuffing!

Instead of using white bread or bread crumbs, shoot for some whole grain options like rice, quinoa, millet or barley for your stuffing.

Here is a whole grain stuffing recipe

Hosting the Party Yourself?!

Great! You can choose and provide the healthy options. And what about making finger foods and individual sizes? This might keep you and others from overeating. And provide smaller plates so if you’re going back for seconds you’re only using a small plate twice which might equal out to a full meal vs using a large plate twice and just really overdoing it!

Some of my favorite finger foods to have at parties

*Deviled eggs

*Mini Caprese skewers

*Mini Lox

*Chicken salad in endive boats

*Kalamata tapenade


Well, there ya have it! Just a few tips for the holiday season! 
Enjoy your holidays with friends and family!

To learn more about clean eating and how I can give you daily support, fill out my challenge group application!

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