Atrium Health Navicent shares how eating right during the holidays can boost your mood

Doctor Timothy Griffin says he advises patients to strive for an overall good pattern of eating, but not perfection.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Atrium Health Navicent shares how eating healthy during the holiday season can boost your mood.

Doctor Timothy Griffin from Atrium Health Navicent Primary Care Internal and Family Medicine North Macon says he advises patients to strive for an overall good pattern of eating, but not perfection.

“We only live once, you know,” says Dr. Griffin. “You want to enjoy just a little bit of life’s finer offerings at certain times that are tradition or a special celebration, but at the same time there’s really a host of foods and ways of preparing foods that you can actually enjoy traditional favorites maybe in a healthy way.”

Doctor Griffin says one easy substitution can be grilling your food instead of frying. Doctor Griffin says that you can save 200 to 400 calories by changing the cooking method.

Doctor Griffin also recommends eating foods that are anti-inflammatory. He recommends nuts, blueberries, bright colored or dark colored fruits and vegetables. Using olive oil or avocado oil is another tip that Doctor Griffin offers.

Doctor Griffin says small modifications while cooking during the holiday season can help in the long run.