YMCA Healthy Living Magazine, powered by n4 food and health YMCA SUMMER 2020 | Page 12

ANNA HOWARD, APD
Anna Howard is a Nutrition Scientist and Accredited Practising Dietitian working in
health promotion and clinical dietetics. Anna is passionate about helping others
build healthy and sustainable relationships with food and eating. You can find out
more about Anna on Instagram: @nutritiouslyanna
KEEPING YOUR NUTRITION
ON TRACK DURING THE
FESTIVE SEASON
Dietitian Anna Howard shares some savvy tips on keeping
healthy during the silly season.
he festive season is a time for
parties, celebration and often
indulging in delicious foods
and drinks. For many of us this period
includes a few more social events than
usual and a change in our routines.
Here are some handy hints to keep your
nutrition on track at this time of year.
T
Don’t go out ravenous
Where possible, avoid turning up to
events hungry, as this can lead to
over-eating. Try to eat a small
nutritious snack before you leave
home to keep your cravings under
control and ensure you don’t go
overboard at the buffet! Some healthy
snack ideas include yoghurt, fresh
fruit, a small handful of nuts, veggie
sticks and hummus, or cheese on
wholegrain crackers.
12
Wait, before going back for
seconds
Before immediately jumping up for
seconds, allow twenty minutes for your
body to digest what you’ve already
eaten. Chances are that you will feel
satisfied and the craving for more will
diminish. Once you’re satisfied, remind
yourself that there will be plenty more
delicious food in the near future. You
don’t need to eat it all now.
Keep active
Luckily in Australia the holiday period
falls in summer, when the weather is
warm and there is more daylight. Try
incorporating activity into festive
season catch-ups; for instance, head to
the beach for a walk, play a ball game
in the park or go for a hike and enjoy a
picnic at the end.
Watch your portions Enjoy alcohol in moderation
When canapes are continuously passing
by and buffet tables are overflowing, it
can be easy to eat too much. Aim to fill
your plate with lots of veggies, a lean
source of protein and some wholegrain
carbohydrates. Choosing a smaller
entrée- sized plate can also help, if
there’s more than one course. Alcohol contains a lot of kilojoules
(energy) and excessive amounts of
alcohol is harmful to our health, so it is
best to set yourself a limit before
arriving at a party or social event. Try
having a glass of water, soda or diet
soft drink between each alcoholic drink.
This will slow down your rate of
drinking, keep you hydrated and reduce
the risk of a hangover!
Enjoy dessert and your favourite
foods
You don’t need to avoid desserts and
all your favourite foods during the
holiday season. But do practise
moderation, and try to eat slowly and
savour these delicious treats. If you
fancy dessert, you could offer to share
with someone, or look for a fruit-based
option.
Don’t forget to enjoy the festivities,
feasts and family times at this special
time of year!
AVOID TURNING UP TO EVENTS HUNGRY,
AS THIS CAN LEAD TO OVEREATING.
YMCA HEALTHY LIVING MAGAZINE SUMMER 2020