An Ohio State University survey last year found that two-thirds of Americans said they ate too much food during the holidays, and one-third said they drank more alcohol.
But it’s possible to enjoy the holidays while maintaining a healthy lifestyle, says Dr. Nicole Safier.
In a conversation with Fox News Digital, the Fox News medical contributor shared her top four tips for getting through the season in a more nutritious way.
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Dr. Safia’s 4 Tips
1. Cook at home
Safier says it’s best to cook at home whenever possible.
Research shows that people who cook at home tend to have a lower BMI and better overall health.
Dr. Nicole Safier told FOX News Digital that it’s best to cook at home whenever possible. (St. Petersburg)
“When you go out, you have no control over oil, sugar, salt, all the things that are added to your food,” she told Fox News Digital.
“So if you buy food from the grocery store and cook it at home, it should be healthier than what you eat outside.” [at restaurants]. ”
2. Snack wisely
Previous studies have shown that nearly a quarter of the calories consumed by U.S. adults come from snacks.
When snacking during the holidays, Safier recommends choosing nutritious foods.
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“Instead of eating chips, you might try eating a handful of pistachios, blueberries, or other superfoods that are good for your brain and whole body,” she advised.
3. Avoid soda
According to Safieh, when it comes to drinks, water is always the best choice.
“You should drink as much water as possible and avoid sugary drinks,” she said.
According to Safieh, when it comes to drinks, water is always the best choice. (St. Petersburg)
For people who have difficulty drinking plain water, doctors recommend unsweetened iced or herbal teas without added sugar.
Generally speaking, the lower the sugar content, the better, she said.
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“Also, avoid carbonated drinks of any kind,” Safia says.
“I don’t care what type it is. It’s not good for you. And even if there’s a ‘diet’ before that, it’s a no-no, especially around the holidays.”
4. Limit or avoid alcohol
Studies show that Americans drink twice as much alcohol on average during the holidays.
“I know there’s a lot of partying going on, but I say everything in moderation,” Safier said.
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“If you’re a social drinker, you can have a cocktail, but be careful what you drink.”
While there are no positive benefits to drinking alcohol, “there are a lot of downsides,” Safier said.
“Not only is it bad for your liver and increases your risk of cancer, but it also increases your risk of depression and disrupts your sleep habits,” the doctor warned. (St. Petersburg)
“Not only is it bad for your liver and increases your risk of cancer, but it can also increase your risk of depression and cause poor sleep habits.”
Lack of quality sleep can have a negative impact on all aspects of life, doctors have warned.
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“If you don’t sleep well, everything goes wrong the next day. It’s kind of a downward spiral,” she says.
“So if you can avoid alcohol, I encourage you to do so.”
