Holiday Health Guide from our Laytonville Doctors and Providers
The winter holidays are commonly a time of celebration with friends and family and that also comes with all sorts of temptations that might deter health goals. With some mindful planning ahead of time, it’s possible to enjoy the holiday cheer without regrets in the new year.
At Long Valley Health Center our primary care doctors and health center providers put a special emphasis on prevention, so we have created a holiday health guide to help keep you on track with your health goals.
Be Mindful of Healthy Food Choices During the Holidays
Mindful food planning can lead to healthy food choices during the holidays.
During the holidays it can be tempting to indulge in tasty dishes and treats. Every day of the year it’s best to choose to eat healthy foods, like vegetables and protein rich foods, including nuts, seeds, eggs, and avocados. For your heart health and weight maintenance, it’s also best to limit unhealthy foods like sugar-heavy desserts and drinks. This can be challenging during the holidays! If you’re cooking a dinner for guests or bringing food to a potluck, be sure to include healthy foods like vegetable dishes and greens.
Recipes for Healthy Holiday Food*
*If your LVHC doctor or provider has outlined a specific dietary plan for your health, always defer to your doctor’s advice!
Pay Attention to Portion Sizes
When dishing out your holiday meals, try following “The Plate Method.” This simple method from The American Diabetes Association emphases more servings of vegetables.
Fill half of your plate with nonstarchy vegetables, such as spinach, carrots and tomatoes.
Fill a quarter of your plate with a protein, such as tuna, lean pork or chicken.
Fill the last quarter with a whole-grain item, such as brown rice, or a starchy vegetable, such as green peas.
Include "good" fats such as nuts or avocados in small amounts.
Add a serving of fruit or dairy and a drink of water or unsweetened tea or coffee.
If You Need Help During the Holidays…
We acknowledge that the holidays can also be stressful and challenging times.
We’ve created a page of community resources that can help with food, housing, and crisis management. Additionally our Behavioral Health team can provide support with substance use disorder and substance use and recovery.