While there are plenty of healthy food options during the holiday season, there are also some risks associated with a holiday feast. For one thing, food costs will likely be higher than usual. Moreover, many items on the holiday feast table contain unhealthy foods. It is essential to plan your meal ahead of time to avoid gaining unwanted belly fat.
Prepare for higher food costs
The holiday shopping season is a time of year when food prices will likely increase. Expect to pay more for your Thanksgiving turkey than you usually would, and plan to save money by preparing food ahead of time. You can also find cheaper places to purchase food. However, many food stores will not offer a sale during the holidays, so be sure to shop around and find coupons in advance to get a bargain.
Several crops have suffered from bad weather this fall, which has pushed up prices for potatoes, onions, celery, and carrots. Cranberry sauce is also expected to be more expensive than last year. Meanwhile, the United States Department of Agriculture has warned of potential turkey shortages. The price of turkey, the main course of the holiday feast, is expected to increase by 23%.
Plan for belly fat
The holiday season is a great time to indulge in rich and warming foods, but there are some things you can do to avoid adding extra pounds to your tummy. The first step is to make sure you don’t overindulge. During the holiday season, your pleasure centers are activated, making you more likely to eat extra calories and fat. We average gain between one and two pounds during the holiday season. If you add two pounds of fat to your body every year, you’ll be 60 pounds overweight by the time you’re finished.
Include your child
Holiday mealtimes can be tricky. Before you sit down to eat, discuss the rules with your family and your child. Once your child understands the rules, you can incorporate them into the meal. For instance, include them during the family prayer. This is an excellent opportunity to talk about what you’re thankful for as a family.
Some families don’t include prayer during meals, which can be awkward for children. Some children are shy in large groups and may feel uncomfortable saying a prayer. However, you can still talk to your child about the importance of the day and its traditions.
Avoid unpasteurized juices
Pasteurization is a process used to prolong juice’s shelf life by killing bacteria. However, unpasteurized juice still contains bacteria, which can cause various health problems. Hence, if you’re planning to drink unpasteurized juice, keep it refrigerated and consume it within a few days. However, if you’re sure you’ll drink fresh and unpasteurized juice, it’s OK to drink a small amount.
However, unpasteurized juices are not safe for pregnant women as they might contain harmful bacteria and E. coli. However, when making your juice, you may boil it to minimize the risks. Also, the uncooked turkey should be cooked to at least 160 degrees in the thickest part of the thigh.
Avoid infected food
Foodborne illness is a miserable way to spend the holidays, but there are ways to prevent getting sick. In particular, keep yourself and your guests away from contaminated foods. The elderly and very young are particularly susceptible to the effects of contaminated food, as are those with weakened immune systems, such as people who have recently had a kidney transplant. People taking certain immunosuppressant medicines, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are also at a higher risk of getting sick. Also, pregnant women should follow cooking directions carefully, as some bacteria can harm an unborn baby.
A wide variety of bacteria, including viruses, causes foodborne illness. Viruses are more likely to cause disease than bacteria, so it’s essential to wash your hands thoroughly before preparing and eating food. Additionally, avoiding touching food with bare hands is necessary, especially dairy products, shell eggs, shellfish, and meat. Other foods that harbor bacteria include cooked potatoes, beans, lentils, and other foods exposed to cooking and refrigeration.