5 Ways Nurses Can Stick With Eating Healthy During The Holidays

Tracking what you eat is hard enough on an ordinary shift. Add holiday treats in the breakroom and a packed schedule, and mindful eating goes out the window fast. Five habits keep you on track.

1. Don't go to work on an empty stomach

An empty stomach kills your willpower. Eat before your shift, even if it's just a piece of fruit or a cup of soup. You'll have energy to work and you'll crave junk less.

2. Bring your own healthy dish

If your floor is celebrating, bring something nutritious so you always have a good option on your plate. A grilled chicken salad or grilled fish travels well and tends to disappear fast, so make extra.

3. Stay active

A full shift burns calories, but it won't offset weeks of parties and rich food. Take a class, add a workout after your shift, or lengthen the routine you already do. Aiming for around 10,000 steps a day gives you a simple target, and the exercise doubles as stress relief during a draining season.

4. Set up accountability

Goals are easier to keep when someone is watching. Pair up with a friend, family member, or coworker who also wants to stay healthy. Write down your meals and activity so nothing slips.

5. Reward yourself

Eating well through the holidays takes effort, so give yourself something to work toward: a massage, a trip to a favorite store, a new outfit. Keep it something you actually want. Edible rewards don't count.