Part 1: Navigating the Festive Feast: Holiday Eating Tips to Prevent Overeating 

The holiday season brings cheer, twinkling lights, and the promise of shared feasts that join family and friends at the table. It's a time for tradition, celebration, and creating cherished memories. However, with this festive spirit also comes a duo of common challenges many of us face: time constraints and the tendency to overeat.

Yet, the holidays shouldn't have to be a choice between savoring the moment and staying true to our wellness goals. With a sprinkle of strategy and a dash of planning, it's entirely possible to revel in the joys of the season while keeping our health in check. 

Eat a Healthy Snack Before Attending Events 

Pre-party planning…or as I like to say “pre-gaming”, a successful strategy to prevent arriving at an event famished is to eat a healthy snack beforehand. A combination of fiber, healthy fats, and protein can curb hunger and help you avoid making a beeline to the buffet. Think apple with almond butter, a small organic Greek yogurt with berries, or a handful of nuts and vegetables. Azuluna’s protein truffles are perfect for this!

Hydrate to Reduce Hunger 

Drinking water is not only essential for your overall health but also a fantastic tool for managing your appetite. Sometimes our bodies mistake thirst for hunger. Ensuring you're well-hydrated can help prevent mindless snacking. Aim to drink a glass of water before you start eating and keep sipping throughout the event. 

And, if you want to satisfy both hydration with a little bit of a snack before heading out, that would be a perfect time for a delicious cup of Azuluna’s Pasture-Raised Chicken Bone Broth. High in protein and low in calories, it makes a perfect pre-gaming sipping treat!

Balance Healthy Options with Holiday Treats 

It's essential to balance your plate with mostly nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, but it's also okay to enjoy your favorite holiday treats. Allowing yourself some of these foods can help satisfy cravings and prevent feelings of deprivation that might lead to overeating later.

Adopt the "one-plate" rule: fill one plate with a little bit of everything you'd like to try, rather than going back for multiple rounds. This way, you can enjoy a variety of flavors without overeating. And be sure to include nutrient-dense colorful vegetables, salads and fruits. Remember, it's about enjoying the food as part of the celebration, not making the food the centerpiece of the event.