Let me start by saying that I am no nutrition expert. But I know that as the holidays approach many people have questions about how to stay healthy and keep to their health goals. I believe it is extremely important to pay attention to what you eat, so I asked nutrition enthusiast Lauryn Woodman to share her holiday nutrition tips here:

As the Holiday season approaches, many of us are wary of slipping into unhealthy habits or hindering the results we worked so hard for throughout the year. Here are a few tips to keep you healthy and happy so you can enjoy the holidays:

1. Portion Control – Cakes, cookies, pies, and puddings – It can be hard to pick just one when everything looks so great! Try having one small spoonful of everything. The variety will keep you satisfied without overindulging.

2. Pace Yourself – It happens to the best of us; sometimes the excitement of the Holiday can cause us to eat quickly without realizing what we’re doing. Try putting your fork down between bites – It will slow you down and help you to enjoy your meal. Also, remember that it takes your brain 20 minutes to realize you’re full, so resist that second plate for a while and you may find you don’t even need it!

3. Make good decisions – It can be tempting to forgo the salad for an extra slice of pie, but you may regret it the next day. Load up your plate with protein and veggies, then go back for the more indulgent choices. The same goes for alcohol – try to have one glass of water between each alcoholic beverage. It will keep you hydrated, which can help prevent the dreaded headache the next morning.

4.  Stay active – Lastly, try to keep moving. It will help with indigestion and will burn off some of those extra calories. If it’s too chilly outside to walk, try playing some active video games like Wii Sports or Just Dance. The whole family can get involved and the friendly competition will only add to the Holiday fun!

— Lauryn Woodman, Nutrition Enthusiast

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