- When you go to a party or other gathering where food is plentiful when hungry, your eyes will always be bigger than your stomach when the food is being served.
- Before entering a gathering, grab a dish of fruit and veggie salad to prevent such embarrassment.
Image: Courtesy: Lovandy.com
As some people abandon healthy eating habits, it is important to remember that some diseases will be at their peak during the holiday season.
So, how do you enjoy the delicacies while remaining healthy? Here are some pointers to consider.
Prepare homemade juices
During this, drinks are most likely served with every meal.
You can choose to prepare fresh homemade juices or even make a fruit salad and enjoy it before or after meals with friends and family rather than purchasing pineapple or mango juice from the store.
Budget for those vegetables you term ‘expensive’
It is strange that someone may afford 1 kg of beef for 500 shillings but cannot afford to buy 150 shillings worth of broccoli or cauliflower.
Nearly all families will participate in "nyama choma," and goats have already been purchased and are prepared to be slaughtered during this festive season.
People are eager to spend more money on animal proteins, which is positive, but should we disregard the importance of vegetables in preventing disease?
Make sure to budget for a lot of vegetables, particularly those you haven't eaten frequently over the year.
Due to their high price, cruciferous vegetables like red cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and capsicums of all colours are typically less popular, but if you're ready to spend money on a goat-eating party, you should also think about including vegetable salads in your meal.
Don't eat everything at feasts and parties.
This holiday season, we have access to buffets, which are a wonderful way to sample new foods and dine with friends, coworkers, or family.
Making healthy decisions can be challenging when there are so many food options and the possibility of getting seconds or thirds.
Start your lunch at a buffet with a cup of soup or a tiny salad.
Start your meal with a low-calorie soup or small salad to sate your hunger and assist you in managing your calorie intake for the remainder of the meal.
Additionally, before filling your dish, please take a moment to survey the entire buffet before grabbing a plate and diving in.
Consider your options carefully and choose healthy foods.
If you commit to portion control and choose items that are high in nutrients, you can still eat well at a buffet.
Don't go out to parties with an empty stomach.
When you go to a party or other gathering where food is plentiful when hungry, your eyes will always be bigger than your stomach when the food is being served.
Before entering a gathering, grab a dish of fruit and veggie salad to prevent such embarrassment.
Be physically active
You can take advantage of the fact that this is the time of year when families and friends get together by setting up a workout schedule. Together exercise is enjoyable and simple.
Lastly, while eating during the holidays is a must, remember to prioritize spending time with family and friends, laughing, and having a good time.
When the New Year arrives, eating will resume as if the holiday season never happened, so maintain moderation and balance.
Lucy Chege is a registered and licensed nutritionist based in Kenya, proficient in medical nutrition therapy.