The holidays are a time for family, friends and of course, food. While it’s tempting to indulge in all of your favourite comfort foods during this time, it’s important to remember the importance of healthy eating. By incorporating some healthy foods into your holiday diet, you can feel better both mentally and physically.
1. Improved mood and energy
Healthy foods that contain your lean protein and veggies provide your body with the nutrients it needs, which results in making you and your body feel good! This means an improved mood and the energy you need to get through the holidays and into the New Year!
2. Heart health
Cutting back on all those foods we often over-indulge in during the holidays and substituting with healthier options is great for cardiovascular health. Proper nutrition helps you to maintain a good blood pressure level and reduces risk of heart attack or stroke.
3. Improved memory
Yes! Foods that help your heart also help your brain. Maintaining a healthy diet can help keep your memory sharp and signs of dementia completely at bay.
4. Weight loss
Obviously, a huge benefit of eating healthy through the holidays can result in weight loss (instead of the usual holiday weight gain we’ve all experienced before)! Eating a diet with plenty of nutrients and fiber can help you feel fuller longer, thus eating fewer calories, and leading to weight loss. You’ll also be much less likely to indulge in sweets if you’re feeling full via the essential nutrients!
5. Cancer prevention
According to reports, eating a healthy diet may relate to cancer prevention. This is because eating healthy can also prevent obesity, which is directly linked to a higher risk of cancer. Fruits, veggies, and nuts are some foods that can also help lower the risk of liver and colorectal cancers, specifically.
Healthy eating is a necessity during the holidays, but it doesn’t have to be hard. With some planning and creativity, you can enjoy your favorite holiday staples while also remaining mindful of what’s going into your body. I hope you enjoyed this blog post on the benefits of healthy eating during the holidays. If you know someone who could benefit from these tips, please share it with them! Happy Christmas and all the best in the New Year to you and your family.
