Now that we are officially heading into holiday season I think it’s time to remember that joyful eating and healthy eating -CAN- go together! You’ll feel better engaging in moderation as well the following 3 quick tips for healthy eating during the holidays

1. Enjoy plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. At least 1/2 of your bread/rice/cereal intake should be whole-grain. One way that I try to work more wholegrain into my diet is by using wholewheat (wholly or in part) in recipes when flour is called for. Also don’t forget to enjoy 2-4 servings of fruit and 3-5 servings of vegetables on a daily basis as well. High in fiber these recommendations will also help to stave off those blood sugar lows that lead us to seek out unhealthy substitutes.

2. Order/prepare steamed vegetables as a side dish instead of starch. This is an easy way to work more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.

3. Stay hydrated. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water will curb hunger pangs thus lowering your overall caloric intaking. Drinking water also counteracts the dehydrating effect of the additional alcohol that many of us consume at this time of year