It's that time of year, folks! Holiday gatherings that are filled with good food and all of the things we see that tempt us to derail our fitness journeys. If you're like me, it's hard to turn away from all of your holiday favorites such as turkey, dressing and all of the home cooked meals sprawled across your family's table.
I spoke with Isaiah Johnson, one of Birmingham's top-rated fitness & nutrition coaches & owner of "Zey Fit Pro" fitness, to get suggestions on how to choose wisely and still enjoy those hearty holiday meals.
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| Isaiah Johnson, Fitness Coach |
Restaurant Raider: What are some common challenges people face with their diet during the holiday season?
Isaiah Johnson: During the holidays, people usually deal with big meals, lots of desserts, and social pressure to eat more than they normally would. Plus, holiday foods are often high in sugar, fat, and carbs, making it hard to stick to a balanced diet.
RR: How can someone enjoy holiday meals without overindulging?
IJ: One way is to focus on eating mindfully. Enjoy a little of everything you like, but take your time with each bite. Listen to your body—stop when you’re satisfied, not stuffed.
RR: What are some strategies for maintaining a balanced diet at holiday parties and gatherings?
IJ: Eat a healthy snack before you go so you’re not starving when you arrive. Look for lean proteins (turkey, chicken, sliced ham, etc) and veggies at the event, and don’t be afraid to pass on things that aren’t worth it to you. It’s all about balance.
RR: What are some specific foods or ingredients to watch out for during the holidays?
IJ: Watch out for sauces and dressings—they’re often packed with sugar and hidden calories. Also, holiday drinks like eggnog and cocktails can add up fast in terms of sugar and calories.
RR: How can someone stay motivated to eat healthily with so many tempting treats around?
IJ: Remind yourself of your long-term goals and how good you’ll feel sticking to them. You can have treats, but it’s about having a plan and knowing when to enjoy and when to hold back.
RR: What is the role of portion control in holiday eating, and how to manage it?
IJ: Portion control is huge. Start with smaller portions. You can always go back if you’re still hungry. Using a smaller plate can help you feel like you’re eating more without overdoing it.
RR: Tips for making healthier versions of traditional holiday dishes?
IJ: You can swap out heavy creams with Greek yogurt, use less sugar, or try baking instead of frying. Also, adding more veggies can boost nutrition without changing the flavors too much.
RR: Talk about the importance of staying hydrated during the holidays, and ways to ensure it?
IJ: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially with all the salty and rich foods. Keep a water bottle with you. If you do drink alcohol, alternate between alcoholic drinks and water to keep it balanced.
RR: Advice for balancing enjoyment of holiday foods with fitness goals?
IJ: Enjoy the foods you love but keep moving. Stick to your regular workouts, or even just go for a walk after meals. That way, you’re balancing the extra calories with some activity.
RR: How can mindfulness help with better food choices during the holidays?
IJ: Mindfulness helps you stay in tune with your body and cravings. When you’re mindful, you’re less likely to eat just because it’s there. You're choosing foods that you really enjoy and savoring them, which can help you avoid overeating.
If you'd like to connect with Isaiah Johnson to talk about your fitness & nutrition goals, visit https://www.instagram.com/zey.johnson/
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| ZEY FIT PRO Logo by Isaiah Johnson |
Thanks for reading and sharing!
~The Birmingham Restaurant Raider
Est. 2009
Desktop View: https://birminghamrestaurantraider.blogspot.com/
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