Another holiday season is upon us! That means cookies, mashed potatoes, egg nog and a number of other options that can move you further away from your health goals at the many holiday parties you attend.

This holiday season, though, it’s time to make the holidays more than food.

While holiday meals are a central part of bringing your family together, there are other non-food based activities for you and your loved ones to enjoy: arts and crafts, family games or walks, and much more.

Of course, the holidays still offer plenty of food – whether it’s a family dinner or an office party. However, there are plenty of ways to be more conscious about your holiday meals.

Here is a helpful guide for a healthier holiday season:

• When shopping, park further away from the entrance to stores so that you have to walk a little more
• Take an extra lap around the mall before you leave or before you start shopping
• Plan a 15-minute physical activity with your family before you open presents
• Family walks are a great way to spend time together and enjoy the crisp holiday weather
• Organize a family competition – football, basketball or even a family Olympics!
• Arts and crafts are a great activity – make your own wreaths, dreidels or confetti for New Year’s Eve
• Go to a tree farm and cut down your own tree

• Use Greek yogurt to substitute for heavy cream or mayonnaise
• Add cranberries, apples or other fruits and vegetables to the dishes you make
• After making gravy, refrigerate it overnight and scrape off the top layer of fat, then reheat before serving
• Use olive, canola, peanut or vegetable oil instead of butter or coconut oil

• Put out veggie hors d'oeuvres, like crudité and yogurt-based veggie dips before meals
• For side dishes, try roasted veggies or mashed cauliflower
• Make flavored water – using lemons, cucumbers, etc. – to serve to your guests
• Stick with clear liquors and mixers that have no calories, like seltzer or tonic water

• When at a holiday dinner, pick your favorites; don’t just eat food because it’s there
• Make sure to eat the veggies on your plate first
• Drink plenty of water all season long
• Save second helpings for later meals
• Eat mindfully - savor every bite instead of rushing through a meal – and eat until you’re satisfied, not stuffed

We hope you find these tips helpful. 

Happy Holidays from Einstein Healthcare Network