The holidays are always a busy time of the year! You may be spending extra time cooking all those delicious cookies, shopping for the perfect gifts, and getting together with family and friends. As this time of year approaches, we don’t always make as much time for healthy eating and hydration as we should or normally do. Even though you may be busier, it’s still important to maintain your healthy lifestyle.

Here are a few ideas to help you get through this busy time of the year:

• If you know you’re going to be spending the day shopping and running errands, eat a healthy, well-balanced breakfast before you head out for the day. Incorporate protein (eggs, milk, yogurt) to help with your energy level and keep you feeling full throughout the day.
  • A granola bar rich in protein, low in sugar
  • A handful of nuts (1.5 oz) – put in Ziploc bag or Tupperware container to help with portion control.
  • String cheese and crackers
  • Fruit
  • Jerky
  • Trail mix
  • Popcorn (choose a kind with small amounts of butter and salt, or make from scratch!)
  • Cut up vegetables (carrots, celery, bell peppers)
• Pack some healthy snacks so the nearest fast food restaurant does not tempt you.
• Snacks should be from 200-300 calories per serving and consumed every 2-3 hours.
• Bring a bottle of water with you! Fill it up before you leave the house and if you need a refill, stop at a gas station. Most soda fountains have water available.
• Try not to show up to holiday parties overly hungry. This can lead to overeating. If it’s a buffet, eat before you arrive and try and maintain conversation and interactions away from the food table.
• Also at holiday parties, try to alternate between alcoholic beverages and water. This will help keep you hydrated and also help you not over consume calories from alcohol.
• Bring a healthy appetizer or dish to your holiday parties so there is at least one healthy option available! Fruit or vegetable trays and salads all work great.

Contact us today for any dietary questions or concerns, or to receive your free consultation. Visit our dietary services webpage to learn more about us.

Happy Holidays!

JoAnna Weinand graduated from the University of North Dakota in 2013 as a Registered Dietitian and started her career in New Mexico, working with many different disease states including diabetes in children and adults, kidney disease, malnutrition, weight management, and many different gastrointestinal diseases.

JoAnna has an adventurous spirit and her career has taken her from many different places, from New Mexico, to California, North Dakota and Alaska. She has worked in many different settings including hospitals, dialysis centers, skilled nursing facilities, gyms, and within the community with youth and adults in Alaska.

JoAnna has always had a passion for nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle. In her spare time, she loves to travel, mountain bike, rock climb and backpack. Living back in Minnesota, she also loves to spend time with her family.

JoAnna believes that nutrition is not “one size fits all” and each nutrition plan should be tailored to meet an individual’s needs. JoAnna enjoys working with many different disease states and developing the right plan so each person can reach his or her own personal goals.