As the holiday season draws near, Sacramento State attempts to raise awareness of unhealthy eating for students to help them make better eating choices.

Sac State campus held events such as Winter Wonderbites at The Well to show students a few tips students to eat healthier and avoid over eating this holiday.

“Be kind to yourself and be mindful of your eating. Start off with a smaller plate instead of the larger one,” Alexandria Byrd, Sac State dietetics major and nutrition Peer Health Educator (PHE), said. “Ask your family to include multiple veggie options so that more nutritionally dense and flavorful foods can be available.”

While many students can watch television, play a video game or even study while eating, recent studies done at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom have shown that eating while distracted can lead to over eating. One can over eat while attending multiple holiday gatherings as well.

“It is helpful to eat smaller portions at each family gathering to avoid over eating. After the first plate of food wait about fifteen to twenty minutes before getting your next plate; this is important because it takes time for the brain to register that the stomach is full.” Andriana Lewis, Sac State dietetics major and nutrition PHE, said.

During the Winter Wonderbites cooking demonstration, the PHE’s said having healthy options available are key to keeping fit and healthy this holiday season.

Byrd said to try testing out recipes using whole grain flours or reducing the sugar and fats. The holidays are a time to enjoy family and good food, but they can also be a time to introduce healthy creative ideas.

Students were encouraged to think of ways they can get active over the holiday break; going ice skating, taking walks and even playing outside with pets or younger family members can help students keep fit.

“Getting plenty of exercise is also an important aspect of making it through the holidays. Try going on a romantic walk with your significant other or taking your dog to the dog park,” Lewis said.

Nutrition services are offered at Student Health and Counseling Services which is located in The Well. There are individual counseling and group classes. Diet analysis is one of many services provided.

Diet analysis appointments are available for students who are interested in evaluating or improving their diets. All diet analysis appointments include a one-on-one meeting with a trained peer health educator.

Students can make an appointment for a service offered by the health and wellness program by visiting Health and Wellness Promotion or Urgent Care on the first floor of The Well.

“Eating holiday goodies in moderation is the way to go. Students shouldn’t go cold turkey and expect success,” Amanda Garcia, Sac State dietetics major and nutrition PHE, said. “Slowly implementing small changes to their diet, such as switching from candy that has added sugar versus fruit which has natural sugars for example. That switch on its own is a success.”