8 Best Tips To Ensure A Balanced Diet During The Festive Season

1. Plan Ahead

[{"selector":"#anim-9a2f7478-5056-4b9d-8e1b-0e060cc85ef3","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-ae2b631d-d9fa-46dd-addc-aa186603c029","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 204.49168%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Credits: Unsplash Before attending festive gatherings or parties, plan your meals and snacks for the day. This can help you balance your overall intake and avoid overindulging.

2. Stay Hydrated

[{"selector":"#anim-58f667c9-35e9-4478-bebc-bbf6021ac15e","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-38700896-a77b-4962-992c-41078ec18398","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 204.49168%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Credits: Unsplash Drinking enough water is crucial. Sometimes, we mistake thirst for hunger. Keeping well-hydrated can help control your appetite.

3. Portion Control

[{"selector":"#anim-05388ef8-b3b7-479e-90ac-d8e6b92de4db","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-cac5e674-be7f-484a-80aa-f80b11ae3a02","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 200.23635%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Credits: Unsplash Enjoy the festive foods, but in moderation. Use smaller plates and utensils to help control portion sizes. This way, you can savour the flavours without overeating.

4. Include Veggies and Fruits

[{"selector":"#anim-fe887da5-06b8-4f95-a9d4-4ca9e2aea7f5","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-5b16271a-6978-4f43-a30a-e14ee5d165f9","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 165.70878%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Credits: Unsplash Make sure your meals include a variety of vegetables and fruits. They are rich in essential nutrients and fibre and can help fill you up, reducing the temptation to overindulge in less healthy options.

5. Choose Lean Proteins

[{"selector":"#anim-21f2a13a-cab8-43aa-a9d6-384b74c72cf2","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-eb192790-79f1-430d-8a52-068c3d957076","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 204.49168%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Credits: Unsplash Opt for lean sources of protein like turkey, chicken, fish, or tofu. Protein can help you feel full and satisfied, reducing the desire for unhealthy snacks.

6. Limit Sugary and High-Fat Treats

[{"selector":"#anim-008dd0d1-9b3e-4aa5-9d44-94fc325be63c","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-7d480723-28e5-4b06-9312-c4e3c9397d79","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 187.47038%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Credits: Unsplash While it's okay to enjoy festive treats, don't go overboard with sugary and high-fat foods. Try to choose your indulgences wisely and in moderation.

7. Mindful Eating

[{"selector":"#anim-5644b9c2-31fc-44c9-9560-07a930b25c29","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-a876c362-d989-4321-8e88-91979d624726","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 204.49168%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Credits: Unsplash Pay attention to what you eat. Eat slowly and savour each bite. This can help you recognise when you're full and prevent overeating.

8. Stay Active

[{"selector":"#anim-0cb1e6ac-5b48-4bb2-a695-ef1a68b23fe8","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-8c863d19-a4a6-40c9-a080-8874ca4bad24","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 199.17254%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Credits: Unsplash Don't forget to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. Regular exercise can help balance the extra calories you might consume during the festive season.

[{"selector":"#anim-50a5adc7-b44c-4738-844a-85e023a10d4d","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-6e5aa0e5-a165-4691-8922-bbbdccc7535d","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 328.08629%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Credits: Unsplash Remember that it's okay to enjoy the festive season and the special foods that come with it.