Most likely, the majority of the parties you have this holiday season will be hosted by another individual which means you won’t have control over what’s served. What you can control, however, is what you choose to eat and how you choose to eat it! If the party is set up buffet-style, start out by using a small plate and serving yourself the cleanest, healthiest options available, preferably the vegetable and protein dishes that are offered. After you finish your first plate, give yourself 10-20 minutes before diving into the next. This is about how long it takes for your stomach to tell your brain that you’re full. If you’re at a dinner party where the meal is served in courses, just remember to eat slowly and give your brain time to process your fullness levels.

All of these holiday parties often add up to a super busy schedule which makes the holiday season a very stressful time of year, and stress can often lead to unhealthy eating habits. One way to help relieve some of that stress is to be sure to set aside time to focus on getting exercise. Exercise provides natural feel-good endorphins and can help reduce stress levels significantly. Staying active during the holidays doesn't have to mean spending hours in the gym every day; even just 10-15 minutes a day can make all the difference! Going for a brisk walk, stretching, or doing yoga are all excellent ways to get your endorphin fix while also staying mindful of yourself and your body.

Another way to relieve holiday stress, and thereby avoid unhealthy eating habits, is to ensure you’re getting plenty of restful sleep. Getting quality sleep during this hectic season will help your body recover from the physical and mental stressors that come with celebrating. A good night’s sleep can help you wake up feeling energized and ready to tackle your long list of holiday to-dos, instead of being overwhelmed and stressed by that ever-growing list of things that need to be done.

Wanting to change up your menu with a new delicious and healthy main course to serve your guests at your holiday party? This Pork Loin Roast with Butternut Fontina Stuffing is the perfect clean eating option. Not only is it incredibly flavorful and savory, but it also provides all of the nutritional benefits that come from clean eating. This dish is a great way to get everyone into the spirit of the season without sacrificing health or taste. The pork loin roast is irresistibly tender and juicy, and, on top of that, it's filled with a scrumptious stuffing made up of butternut squash, shallots, fontina cheese, whole-wheat panko bread crumbs and herbs - all which add an amazing depth of flavor. This recipe will become an instant favorite on your holiday table!

Now that you know what you’re doing for your salad and main courses. What are you going to offer as side dishes?! No need to worry because we have ideas for that too! Potatoes in any and every form are always a favorite as holiday meals, but this year you may want to try something new and different for your potato dish. These Hasselback Potatoes are the perfect way to switch it up from your typical mashed or baked potatoes.

Have a side of roasted veggies with this recipe for Balsamic Roasted Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate. It’s a super easy and flavorful side dish that will make a great addition to your holiday meal spread. Just toss butternut squash, brussels sprouts, and an onion with some spices, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and whatever else makes your heart happy! Roast it in the oven, sprinkle with pomegranate seeds, and voila! A delicious side dish your family and/or guests are sure to enjoy!