There are a few ways to manage your eating habits amidst a scrumptious holiday season. (Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Josh Ryan

In moderation

Proportional eating recommended during the holidays

Dec 24, 2021 | 5:00 AM

During the Christmas season, our team at Pattison Media is once again producing positive stories based around holiday traditions and accomplishments for the region.

Ahead of Christmas Day, here’s a discussion for those trying to navigate eating healthy during a period full of treats.

Families prepare for a Christmas season with large meals ahead, but there’s a way to enjoy the holidays while also watching what you eat.

Research in the United Kingdom suggests having a period of smaller meals in-between the festive dishes, while nutritionists and dieticians recommend filling up on the healthiest foods that are available. Heater Reid, registered dietician with Revive Wellness in Lloydminster, said people should focus on the items that aren’t the usual fillers of Christmas Day, filling up on them before mashed potatoes and other staples of dinner.

“Always be focusing on your plate, trying to aim for that half a plate of vegetables, a quarter of grains and a quarter of protein,” she said. “Survey the landscape of what’s available before dishing up and before getting seconds, try to prioritize vegetables once again.”

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Reid said people don’t have to completely avoid potatoes, just as long as they’re eaten in moderation. Because it’s a bland food item, there’s value in peppers, cucumbers, carrots, and other vegetables.

“They’re not the evil food source as we think of them when it comes to carbohydrates, they’re just not as rich in nutrients as a red or green pepper would be,” Reid said.

In regards to treats, every family has their favourites, but Reid said the key is to avoid your go-to leisure spot when you want to eat, so that you’re not distracted as you consume every calorie.

“Ask if you’re truly physiologically hungry and try not to go into autopilot mode when in front of the TV,” she said. “If you do feel like eating something, try not to have distractions going, such as a cell phone.”

For the extended break, Reid advised eating good sources of protein, keeping up on vitamin D-rich foods and prioritizing good sources of vegetables and fruit. Another important reminder is to stay hydrated, exercise and get a good night’s sleep, rather than let your regular schedule go haywire.

‘Don’t get those patterns too mixed up and keep up on physical activity,” she said. “We tend to just hang around snacking instead of keeping up the cardio side of our health.”

“When in doubt, check out what colour your urine is and make sure it stays clear.”

When you eat throughout the day will make a difference as well. Reid recommends not waiting more than four hours between meals and to have the last meal well before you go to sleep.

‘Make sure you’re eating at regular intervals and try not to eat a whole bunch before going to bed,” she said. “Otherwise, you may get that not good sleep, waking up in the morning and feeling nauseous [kind of day].”

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josh.ryan@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports