10 Ways to Cut Back on Sugar During the Holidays

Inform your loved ones of your health goals and plans to cut back on sugar. If your friends and family are aware that you’re trying to be mindful of what you eat, they will be able to support you instead of offering a second (or third!) helping of dessert.

Apple cider, eggnog, and your relative’s famous punch are delicious, but they also tend to be filled with sugar. That doesn’t mean you can’t indulge—just seek out low- or sugar-free versions of your favorite beverages.

Your food’s nutrition label tells you many important details, including the serving size and how much sugar a serving contains. You can compare that number with your own daily sugar limit. In general, it’s recommended that men consume no more than 36 grams of sugar per day. For women, that recommendation is lower: 25 grams.

In addition to looking at the nutrition label, pay close attention to the ingredients. A general rule of thumb is that fewer ingredients indicate a food choice that is better for you. The longer that list gets, the more likely the product is to contain processed and unnecessary ingredients, like added sugars.

Keep in mind that not all sugar is bad sugar. For most people, natural sugars, like those found in fruit, aren’t bad at all. Labels indicating "added sugar” indicate that more sugar has been put in during the production process. Cereal, syrup, and juice are known for having high amounts of added sugar.

It's important to maintain a balance between cutting back on sugar and still allowing for small indulgences. Feel free to have a slice of pumpkin pie while enjoying time with your family! If you continue to eat a balanced diet otherwise, the occasional treat won’t hurt.

Holiday travel can make it difficult to limit your sugar intake. With fast food available on every stretch of the highway, it’s all too easy to choose convenience over wellness. By planning your meals on travel days, you can avoid high-sugar and high-fat options.

You can also bring healthier snack options, like dark chocolate and almonds, when visiting family or friends. Even if you find yourself surrounded by baked goods and other desserts, you’ll always have a sweet—yet not as sugary—option on hand.

The holidays can be stressful, and the change in routine can make it difficult to stay on track with your health goals. To keep from overindulging in sugary treats, be mindful of when you’re craving sugar and why. Are you feeling bored? Thirsty? Or hungry for something more nutritious? Identifying the cause of your sugar craving may help to curb it.

If you’re someone who does a lot of baking, particularly around the holidays, don’t get discouraged by your health goals. There are plenty of ways to enjoy baking while still being mindful of sugar consumption.

Consider these ingredient swaps:

• Raw honey instead of sugar
• Oat or whole-wheat flour instead of white flour
• Unsweetened applesauce instead of butter

Even the most health-conscious people are likely to eat more than usual during the holidays. By staying active and getting at least 30 minutes of low-impact exercise each day, you can help offset the extra sugar you consume.

The holiday season spans nearly three months. If you’re trying to cut back on sugar at this time, why not establish some lifelong habits along the way? Focusing on your sugar intake during the holidays is the perfect opportunity to instill habits that you can continue even after the holidays are long gone.

It is easier than you might think to enjoy the holidays while also staying true to your wellness goals. All it takes is a bit of planning, awareness, and leaning on your support system.

If you’re still concerned about health during the holidays, chat with your physician. They can help you approach the holidays with confidence and a plan.

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