Show your Family that Enjoying Food and Keeping Healthy are not Mutually Exclusive

With the holidays right around the corner, there is one thing on all of our minds-food. The turkey, mac and cheese, potatoes, ham, green beans, and everything in between, what's not to love?

We often forget, though that holidays are also a great time to exercise a balanced diet. After all, food isn't something that should cause us stress; it's something to share and enjoy with our loved ones!

One of the most important things you can teach your family is how to avoid overeating without feeling deprived. Doing this will help every family member savor your Holiday spread without feeling over-stuffed. This is a helpful tip for children too. Although we want to ensure our kids are getting the proper nutrition, it is essential to teach them about that a balanced diet is a year-round

Other Tips

• Convey this message to your family: "There is nothing wrong with eating to your heart's (and belly's) content. However, listening to your body and knowing when you feel full is important."
• Ensure you portion your servings with what you believe you can realistically eat.
• If you're still feeling hungry after your first serving, nutritionists recommend enjoying a second serving of veggies or protein instead of a carb like bread or mac and cheese.
• Regarding children, remember restrictions on food can be harmful by creating associations with food labeled as "good" or "bad." Instead, make sure your children enjoy all that holiday food has to offer, explaining how to create a balanced plate: more protein and veggies and a much smaller portion of carbs.
• Before dessert, check if they are already almost full so they aren't trying to fill up on sweets that may cause stomach pain later in the night.

The holidays are a wonderful time to spend with friends and family. Food brings us together at one table to enjoy the feast and each other's company! Maintaining a balanced diet is a small, but important step in enjoying the holidays and feeling good. Happy Holidays from the ACES family to yours!

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