Follow these 8 tips to enjoy a healthier holiday season as you celebrate!

This is a busy time of year for many of us. We are connecting with family and friends to celebrate the holiday season. Planning meals and get togethers can be stressful enough without even thinking about certain foods and temptations that might be loaded with fats and calories. So, make this season easier on your mind and waist and follow these 8 tips:

1. Don't skip meals

Skipping a meal thinking that taking in fewer calories prior to a gathering / meal can often backfire leaving us so hungry that we overeat. Try having a filling snack before the meal like fruit, yogurt and granola, string cheese, or even a handful of nuts, these can curb your appetite and prevent overeating!

2. Bring your own dish

Ensure that there are some nutritious foods at your next gathering by contributing a healthy option, such as a fruit or vegetable platter, or try turning a traditional dish into a healthier version. You can also make the dish festive by arranging into a holiday design.

3. Choose your splurges

Scan over the foods being served and only choose a couple holiday favorites to have as a dessert, leave behind the foods you could have anytime of the year. Take the time to really taste and enjoy the foods you chose.

4. Choose drinks wisely

Try to stay away from drinks that are loaded with sugar, caffeine and alcohol. Try to reach for water, tea, seltzer. You will find mostly empty calories in alcohol- based drinks. Drinking alcohol can also cause you to make poor food choices. If you do choose to have a few drinks at a gathering, try to alternate each drink with a glass of water.

5. Visit the people, not the food

If you want to avoid mindless eating, try to steer conversations away from the dinner table, buffet or appetizer tables. It will help keep the conversations focused on time being spent together rather than the foods in front of us.

For more delicious recipes, tips & tricks and more please visit our SNAP-Ed NY website.

Healthy eating for an active lifestyle!

For youth and adults engaging in physical activity and sports, healthy eating is essential for optimizing performance. Combining good nutrition with physical activity can lead to a healthier lifestyle. Remember balance is key with nutrition and physical activity!

For tips click Healthy eating for an active lifestyle - 10 Tips

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT

Meet Emily Dickinson of

Jefferson County!

Emily has joined the Jefferson County team as a SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator. Emily grew up in Harrisonville, New York and studied at SUNY Potsdam. She then went on to earn a Master's Degree in Environmental Policy and Sustainability Management from The New School in New York City in 2017.



While living in Brooklyn, Emily had opportunities to work at urban Farmer's Markets and manage Madison Square Park Conservancy's Sustainability Program. She recently returned to the North Country to be closer to family and is very excited to work with community members to promote healthy lifestyles in a fun and engaging way. In her spare time, Emily enjoys cooking, crafting and spending time with her dog Melo.

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