By Dena Bond and Natalie Clair, IPS—
INDIANAPOLIS, IN—The holidays are a time to gather and celebrate with family and friends, but most of these celebrations tend to focus on food. It’s easy to slide off track and not prioritize healthy habits with so many activities and fun all around.
As registered dietitians for Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) — the state’s largest school district — we provide our students with school meals to support their health and education, but this holiday season, we’re serving up tips for mindful actions to use at home and on the go while enjoying the festivities.
Looking for ways to navigate holiday celebrations and gatherings in a healthier way? Registered Dietitian and Foodservice Area Manager Natalie Clair believes that having a plan will guide you in the right direction.
“Chances are, foods at a party will be more indulgent, but planning and being aware of your actions will leave you feeling good about enjoying your favorite foods.”
Clair recommends a few strategies that work not only for the holidays, but for any social occasion:
- Opt for Balance: Headed to a holiday feast for dinner? Make sure to eat a lighter lunch or grab a healthy snack before attending. Filling up on better-for-you foods leaves less room for those higher-calorie treats. Don’t skip meals to try to “save room” for the festivities, as this can cause overeating.
- Bring a Healthier Dish: If you’re not sure what types of food will be there, bring something you feel good about eating.
- Practice Portion Control: Use a smaller plate or start with half the amount of food you normally serve yourself. Enjoy small bites with moderation so you don’t feel deprived.
- Sip Smarter: Drink plenty of water or other unsweetened/low-calorie beverages. If you opt for sugary beverages, alternate a glass of water in between.
You may not think healthy and fun go hand in hand, especially when you’re at home over the holidays, but Director of Foodservice and Registered Dietitian, Dena Bond, has some practical tips to mix the two together. “Keep in mind not all holiday activities have to involve food, but if they do, there are plenty of healthier-for-you options.”
Check out these suggestions from Bond:
- Cookie Swaps: Baking cookies is quite popular, but using Pinterest or any search engine will reveal plenty of savory snacks and not too sweet treats that are fun and festive. Search “healthy holiday snacks,” and you’ll find tons of healthier options such as reindeer celery sticks, Grinch fruit kabobs, gingerbread granola, banana snowmen, or pita tree appetizers, just to name a few.
- Cut it Out: Instead of cookies, use those cookie cutters to have fun with other foods such as sliced turkey, cheese, fruits, or pancakes. Bake your own tortilla chips or make egg-in-a-hole toast.
- Get Kids Involved: Kids are more likely to try new foods when they help with the preparation and can make their own choices. Allowing kids to customize foods, such as choosing pizza, yogurt, or rice bowl toppings, or what to throw in a smoothie, increases the likelihood of them eating more fruits and vegetables.
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Stir up Creativity: Think outside the box and focus on non-food activities such as crafts, game or move nights, or volunteering as a family. If the weather permits, take a walk outside or visit Monument Circle to see the lights!
The holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate, and with a little bit of planning, flexibility, and creativity, you can find the right balance to stay on track with healthy habits that last throughout the year. We wish you a joyful, healthy holiday season.
Dena Bond, Director of Foodservice for Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), and Natalie Clair, Foodservice Area Manager, provide practical guidance to support students and families in staying healthy during the holidays.
