I smell…COOKIES! Holidays and events are starting to fill our calendars. Halloween, Thanksgiving,  Christmas, and more – the temptation to eat sweets is all around us at this time of year. You might be surprised to know that this is actually ‘sugar’ season, not ‘flu’ season!  1 teaspoon of sugar shuts down your immune system for FIVE hours!  So when the average American eats over 30 teaspoons of sugar each day, no wonder we have so much sickness during the fall and winter months!  This is your reminder to be mindful of how much sugar you consume to stay healthy this holiday season. Maybe try having only one or two pieces of Halloween candy compared to four or five, or just one piece of pie at Thanksgiving. Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing! Be mindful, and fill up on healthy foods such as proteins, vegetables, fruits and healthy fats before deciding if you have room for the sweet treats at dessert. 

Here are some other ways to fight off temptations this season:

1. Drink an 8-ounce glass of water 30 minutes before eating a meal.
2. Pack a healthy snack if you are going to be at a party where you know you will have many sugary snacks to tempt you.
3. If attending a party, take a healthy dish to share so you’ll know you will have at least one good option to choose from. (And it’s fun to watch others eat and enjoy it, not knowing it’s ‘good’ for them!)
4. Start your day right and eat a breakfast high in protein and healthy fats and low in sugar and simple carbs. When you eat sugar and/or simple carbs in the morning, your body tends to crave that the rest of the day. Try limiting these items first thing in the morning. Need healthy coffee creamer alternatives to start your day? Ready our coffee creamer blog.
5. Fuel your body with protein and fiber. Protein and fiber keep you fuller longer.
6. Remind yourself, “My body doesn’t feel good when I eat too much sugar.”
7. Don’t keep it in the house. If sugar and sugary treats are a problem for you, don’t buy them. Try shopping on the outside of the grocery store where you find fresh, whole foods like fruits, vegetables and meats instead of going down the aisles where processed food temptation lies.

Need a little extra support? Check out our online nutrition courses for support, guidance, and more!