Are you struggling to eat healthy at family gatherings?
If so, you’re not alone. Weight gain from family gatherings is a real problem, and one that many people struggle with. Around the holiday’s, for example, many people put on weight and they can take more than five months to lose it.
This is likely because the holiday season brings a schedule of family gatherings and events that are full of unhealthy treats. While it might seem difficult, it is absolutely possible to eat well at not-so-healthy gatherings. Keep reading to find out how to make yourself eat healthy, even when it doesn’t come easy.
How to Make Yourself Eat Healthy
Still confused on how to make yourself eat healthy? Here are five tips to help you avoid eating everything at your next unhealthy gathering:
1. Bring a Healthy Dish
This tip isn’t always possible, because some events offer catering or it’s just not appropriate to bring in outside food. But if you can, always bring your own healthy dish to otherwise unhealthy events.
This way you can ensure that at least one thing you’re eating will be nutritious, and you’ll get bonus points from the host for helping them with some of the cooking stress.
2. Don’t Go to The Event Starving
You’re more likely to binge on unhealthy snacks if you show up for an event starving. Have a meal before you get to the event. Make sure the meal is filling, and full of lots of vegetables.
A big salad is a great idea, as all the fiber will keep you full for a long time and will curb sugar cravings.
3. Focus on Protein and Greens
Instead of heading straight for cakes and cookies, try filling up your plate with protein and greens at an unhealthy event. If there aren’t any vegetables present, odds are there will be at least one source of protein.
Protein will help keep you full and satisfied, so you’ll be less likely to grab unhealthy snacks.
4. Avoid Alcohol
No unhealthy event is complete without lots of tempting drink options. Drinking with friends and family is fun, but the drinks often add tons of unnecessary calories and sugar. To be healthier, try and stay sober during events and opt for water instead.
If this isn’t realistic for you, try and limit yourself to one or two drinks and choose low-sugar options.
5. Eat Healthy Before and After
Eating badly at one event isn’t the end of the world, so try to be kind to yourself. If you know you have an unhealthy gathering coming up, do your best to eat healthy the weeks and days beforehand.
If you do eat too much at an event, don’t beat yourself up. Simply get back on track the next day and make healthier decisions.
Learn More About Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle isn’t always easy, but it’s certainly worth the effort. Now that you know how to make yourself eat healthy at unhealthy places, you’re probably hungry for more advice.
The key to living and eating healthy is to educate yourself and set yourself up for success. Check out the rest of our site for more tips and tricks on healthy living. This article on the harmful effects of sugar is a great place to get started and get yourself motivated to make healthier choices.