Ah December….winter is here, along with the holidays. What does the holiday season mean to you? Christmas trees, twinkling lights, eggnog, snowfall, corny music, desserts, candlelight, presents, ham/turkey/insertotheranimalhere roasts? The thing is, some of these holiday season traditions are not good for the waistline, heart health, or longevity.

The holidays are definitely one of my favorite times of the year! Why? The smell of cinnamon, pine, fir, and cranberries in the air; the lights of our tree shining through the windows; the fun of Santa and secret surprises; and lighting our menorah for Hanukkah. Notice none of those have to do with food! The holidays can be embraced and celebrated without unhealthy food on the table and unhealthy pounds on the scale.

How, you ask? Easy! Stick to veggie courses (without butter and cream, THANK YOU), soups (same goes), small servings of nuts, fresh fruit, and lots of water. Water will help hydrate you from the cold weather, AND fill you up so you might eat less at meal times.

Speaking of meal times, eat at the same time every day and try not to eat too much between meals. Utilize other ways to celebrate, without food, like lighting candles, singing together, watching a movie, and/or playing a board game.

IF you stick to these tips, you might find you have a different New Year’s resolution this year. Maybe your resolution will be to follow me for more ways to healthi-fy your holidays! You can find me on Insta @Leahtheveganyogalover – see you next year!!