December can be an exciting month — a break from school, time with friends and family, and holiday celebrations. As a dietitian, I know that the holidays can bring extra joy, but also extra challenges for teens and others who worry about their weight. So, I thought I’d share some strategies to lessen your worries around eating. With less worry about food, you’ll likely be more able to enjoy the holiday season!

• Some treats are only around during the holidays. If you’re choosing between many different foods at a party, enjoy a few of your holiday favorites (for me, one of these is my Aunt Carole’s Neapolitan cookies!) and maybe skip those foods you see all year, such as crackers & cheese.
• Focus on the positives: what can you add rather than take away? Add in a serving of berries every day or try an orange colored fruit or veggie such as a sweet potato, squash, mango, clementine, or papaya.
• Stay active and try to get a little fresh air every day. As my mom would say after an afternoon of sledding or a long winter walk, you’ll sleep “like a log”.
• Forgive yourself! You’re not always going to choose the healthiest foods at a holiday party, but that’s okay. Let it go. This holiday, let each meal be another chance to eat nourishing foods for your body.
• No skipping meals! Research studies show that if we arrive to a gathering over-hungry, we tend to overeat. That’s why it’s important to eat regular meals and 1-2 healthy snacks each day – especially during the holidays. Try to start each day with a balanced breakfast (such as whole grain cereal with low-fat milk or yogurt, and sliced fruit on top). Enjoy a healthy snack such as cut-up veggies with hummus, or sliced apples and peanut butter before heading out to a holiday gathering so you’re not starving when you arrive.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll likely lower your stress so you can truly enjoy all of the festivities and your favorite holiday treats too.

-Dietitian Abigail