Newsroom | Community Health

By Dr. Derek Robinson, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois

The holiday season is a time for celebration with family and friends. While it may feel like a season of overindulging on festive food and drinks for some, here are ways to manage your eating habits so you can enjoy your favorite treats with moderation. 

Don’t skip a meal before a holiday party or dinner. Try having a healthy snack before you go instead. You can also enjoy a balanced snack of superfoods like fruits, nuts or dark chocolate to help you arrive at an event without being overly hungry.

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day. Holiday drinks and alcoholic beverages contain sugars that may cause hangovers or headaches. Have a glass of water in between your beverage of choice and decide how much you want to drink before your first glass of wine. 

Pay attention to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. This will help you enjoy your meals and treats. Distraction may cause you to eat more than you realize without enjoying your food. Focus on what you’re eating and eat slowly to enjoy each bite. 

Before the busy season begins, prioritize how much sleep you get each night. A consistent sleep schedule and enough rest will make it easier to manage your stress levels. Watch out for your triggers around food and alcohol to stay aware of when you’re eating or drinking past fullness. 

Trying to balance healthy and not-so-healthy choices during the holidays can be challenging. However, awareness of what you’re consuming can help you manage emotional triggers and overindulgences. If you overeat, don’t beat yourself up. You can always get back on track the next day.

^{The above material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for the independent medical judgment of a physician. Physicians and other health care providers are encouraged to use their own best medical judgment based upon all available information and the condition of the patient in determining the best course of treatment.} 

^{Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association}