In the middle of all the holiday stress it can be very easy to disregard your health. When you are trying to get all of the shopping done and trying to find all of the last-minute gifts and party accessories, here are some easy tips on how you can stay healthy this December!

Don’t Forget to Pack a Snack

While you are decorating the house and getting that last-minute shopping done, it’s always important that you pack a high-protein snack.

Instead of making that run for the food court, reach for a high-protein snack bar. BistroMD has a wide variety of high protein-snacks, including a chocolate crisp protein bar, different flavors of turkey jerky, and we even have different flavors of cheesecake Most of our snacks contain a good dose of fiber which keeps you feeling fuller longer—perfect for those three or four hour last-minute shopping trips!

The best variety for your shopping trip? Try Kashi, Go Lean Crunchy Bars in chocolate almond. With less than 150 calories per bar, they make the perfect in-between snack. If you don’t have Kashi bars stored in your purse, try a handful of almonds, or a cup of low-fat yogurt with mixed fruit. Both of these make for a healthy snack.

Overindulgence Makes You Grinch-Like

Before you attend those holiday parties or host one for yourself, plan ahead and think about the food you will be serving.

Sure, the holidays are the perfect time to eat too much, but why would you want to if you can avoid it? After all, overindulgence leads to weight gain, which can leave you feeling Grinch-like when it comes to keeping your goals.

If you still want to serve sweets or still eat them, look for healthier recipes and alternatives, and know your limit. Limit your intake to minimal, and eat a good, healthy and filling meal before you arrive or before you host your party. To curb your hunger and desire for sweets even more, start at the healthier section of the buffet line first and make your way down. By the time you get ready for dessert, your cravings won’t be as strong, which makes you less likely to overeat.

When it comes to holiday cocktails, wine or light beer is better, just don’t have more than one glass. If you are hosting a party of your own, following healthier holiday cocktail recipes like these can help.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Even if you aren’t just trying to lose weight, but trying to stay healthy during the holiday season, always be aware of your surroundings.

If the weather outside is frightful, make sure you are bundled up tight, and that you aren’t setting yourself up for a cold. If you are going to a busy shopping mall, pack a stockpile of sanitizer and be sure to keep your hands away from your mouth and eyes.

If you have small children, make sure they are bundled up as well and that they are eating a proper diet every day. Sugar cookies and eggnog isn’t an ideal diet for maintaining a strong immune system. Be sure to eat plenty of veggies, and always make room for rich, antioxidant fruits. After all, holiday berries aren’t just good for decorating. Many of them are packed full of vitamins and antioxidants, including cranberries and pomegranate.

For more tips from our experts about how to stay healthy and happy this holiday, please visit our healthy facts section for more information.

Christy Shatlock, Lead Dietitian, MS/RD