Nutrition Corner: Healthy Eating Tips for the Holidays
Published on December 01, 2025
It is Holiday Time once again! It is time to share good times and good foods with friends and family. The big challenge is to have fun at special occasions without jeopardizing some of the healthy practices you have worked on throughout the year.
Here are some Helpful Hints to help you to survive the Holiday Season:
Manage Stress
This time of year can be stressful. Be careful not to turn to food as a way to provide comfort. Exercise, Meditation, Meeting with Family and Friends are just a few ways to reduce stress.
Stay Hydrated
Often we misunderstand a feeling of Thirst as Hunger. Drink Plenty of fluids/ water throughout the day, every day to stay well hydrated. It can also help to diminish that desire to overeat.
Do not arrive hungry to the party!
Skipping meals before a holiday party in an effort to save calories for the big party will only make you overeat. Eat a light meal or snack before arriving at the party. A snack or meal that is high in fiber and contains lean protein is ideal because it can help control your appetite and help you avoid overeating.
Choose the right plate.
You are more likely to eat food that ends up on your plate. Thus, choosing a smaller plate will not only prevent you from filling your plate with more items than you really need, but it will also make the amount of food on your plate seem larger.
Fill up on vegetables and fruits.
Not only do these foods have plenty of vitamins and minerals, but they also contain fiber, which helps keep you full longer and may leave less room for other high-calorie foods.
Bring something to the party.
Offer to bring an appetizer, side, or dessert to the party. Not only will the host or hostess appreciate the help, but you'll also have control over what goes into the dish.
Be Merry.
Spread holiday cheer by spending time enjoying the company of others at the party. The more you talk, the less time you will spend eating.
Balance your meals.
Aim to fill half your plate with vegetables, a quarter with lean protein, and a quarter with starch. Enjoy this festive time of year!
From the desk of UCOFA Registered Dietitian: Patricia Ricks, MPA, RD, CDN. Nutrition consults are free to Ulster County Seniors 60 and over. To make a referral, call 845-340-3456.