10 Tips for Enjoying Holiday Desserts Without Sabotaging Your Health Goals

This time of year, there is an abundance of holiday treats at various events such as office gatherings, neighborhood parties, holiday open houses, family celebrations, and evening events.

You can indulge in holiday treats while maintaining your health goals, according to nutrition experts, making this the most wonderful time of the year.

Sarah Heckler, MS, RD, a dietician with Anne Till Nutrition Group in Raleigh, North Carolina, stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that the holiday season is associated with delectable desserts and tempting sweet treats.

"It's tempting to indulge in festivities, but it's important to balance seasonal delights with maintaining your health goals."

Some tips and strategies to enjoy holiday desserts without disrupting your wellness goals.

1. Practice moderation

During parties and festivities, there will probably be plenty of dessert spreads, but it's important to set limits if you want to achieve that goal.

Heckler advised consuming modest amounts of your favorite desserts instead of overindulging in large portions.

Another way to control portion sizes is by using smaller plates, she suggested.

2. Choose wisely

Heckler advised opting for desserts with lower added sugars and saturated fats.

She suggested healthier alternatives, such as fruit-based desserts or desserts made with whole grains like a fruit salad or a baked apple, to satisfy your sweet tooth with natural sugars and added nutrients.

3. Balance your plate

Before indulging in dessert, consider a more balanced meal that includes a variety of protein, vegetable, and healthy fat sources.

Heckler emphasized that consuming this can help balance the effects of dessert on your overall diet.

4. Stay hydrated

Drinking water both before and during your meal may help, Heckler said.

She stated that our bodies can sometimes confuse thirst with hunger, and that staying hydrated can help us feel content with smaller meals.

5. Be mindful of ingredients

When perusing the dessert table, lean toward desserts made with high-quality ingredients.

Be aware of hidden sugars and unhealthy fats.

She suggested making homemade desserts to have full control over the ingredients.

6. Engage in conversation

Mix and mingle with your guests and other partygoers.

By consuming only a portion of the dessert, you can still enjoy its flavors without overindulging, Heckler advised.

7. Sit down for dessert

Vanessa Imus, MS, RDN, a dietician with Integrated Nutrition for Weight Loss in Bothell, Washington, stated that one can consume three pieces of peppermint bark in five minutes or savor one piece over the same time frame.

"Regardless of the choice, you're indulging in a holiday treat for five minutes; it's simply a matter of quantity."

8. Pick your favorites

Imus advised against consuming any random dessert simply because it's available.

She suggested selecting your preferred one or two desserts.

9. Share the sweets

Aim for small portions, suggested Imus.

She suggested either cutting the fudge in half or sharing it with someone.

"By doing that, you'll be able to savor another holiday delight, similar to the sugar cookie that calls out your name."

10. Practice eating mindfully

Imus suggested that you'll enjoy your food more if you pay attention to its taste.

She said, "Have you ever eaten something and then realized you didn't really taste it? The purpose is to savor and enjoy the flavor."

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