How to encourage healthy eating habits during the holidays

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The festivities and treats of the holiday season can make it difficult for your child to maintain good eating habits that he or she might have established earlier in the year. On average, people gain 1-3 pounds during the six weeks from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day. While this may seem insignificant, extra pounds can add up over time and eventually lead to health issues such as:

  • High blood pressure

  • High cholesterol

  • High triglycerides (fats traveling in the blood)

  • Increase in blood sugar

  • Increase in insulin levels

  • Diabetes

If your child reverts to unhealthy eating habits during the holidays, it can be challenging for him or her to get back to good food choices again in the new year. Making sure that you and your child continue to practice healthy behaviors throughout the holidays will help ensure that your family's health stays in top shape year-round.

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DISCLAIMER: The resources listed on this site are not meant to replace medical advice or the consultation of your child’s physician or care team. Please consult a trusted medical professional before making any medical care decisions for yourself or your child.

The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates; McDonald’s, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities Logo, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room, and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. is recognized as a public charity under Internal Revenue Code section 509(a) and has 501(c)(3) status. Donations to Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. are deductible. Donors should consult their tax advisor for questions regarding deductibility. The Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. EIN is 34-1269123. A copy of the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. determination letter is available upon request.

©2026 Ronald McDonald House of Northeast Ohio, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Looking for More?

Search the full resource database.

DISCLAIMER: The resources listed on this site are not meant to replace medical advice or the consultation of your child’s physician or care team. Please consult a trusted medical professional before making any medical care decisions for yourself or your child.

The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates; McDonald’s, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities Logo, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room, and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. is recognized as a public charity under Internal Revenue Code section 509(a) and has 501(c)(3) status. Donations to Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. are deductible. Donors should consult their tax advisor for questions regarding deductibility. The Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. EIN is 34-1269123. A copy of the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. determination letter is available upon request.

©2026 Ronald McDonald House of Northeast Ohio, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Looking for More?

Search the full resource database.

DISCLAIMER: The resources listed on this site are not meant to replace medical advice or the consultation of your child’s physician or care team. Please consult a trusted medical professional before making any medical care decisions for yourself or your child.

The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates; McDonald’s, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities Logo, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room, and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. is recognized as a public charity under Internal Revenue Code section 509(a) and has 501(c)(3) status. Donations to Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. are deductible. Donors should consult their tax advisor for questions regarding deductibility. The Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. EIN is 34-1269123. A copy of the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. determination letter is available upon request.

©2026 Ronald McDonald House of Northeast Ohio, Inc. All Rights Reserved.