Happy Holidays!
It's a time for joy, family, friends, and, of course, delicious food! But it can also be a time for stress, overindulgence, and guilt. In this post, we'll discuss how to find a balance that works for you during the holidays so you can enjoy all your favorite foods and still feel your best.
Make Peace with Food
The holidays are a time for celebration, and food is a big part of that celebration. But often, we label foods as "good" or "bad." This can lead to guilt and shame, which can make it harder to maintain a healthy relationship with food.
Remember, food is not good or bad, it's simply food. You are in charge and you are the only person responsible for what you choose to eat. Give yourself permission to enjoy all the delicious foods that come with the season as long as it aligns with your goals.
Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
The holidays are a short period of time. Don't beat yourself up if you overindulge a bit. Just get back on track with your healthy eating habits after the holidays are over.
What are your realistic goals for the holiday season?
Make a Conscious Choice
Let's review Newton's third law: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. You may be wondering why I'm bringing up physics. The best way to navigate this is through a scenario.
You decide to partake in an indulgent meal with an adult beverage, a dessert, or maybe both. There are both positive and negative consequences to that decision. After analyzing the consequences, you get to make a choice, and that is called a conscious choice.
The real power here is in making the decision. Whatever you choose, you're the one in charge. And that's an empowering feeling.
Observe the Results and Your Patterns
Tune into your hunger cues and eat mindfully. When you're busy rushing around, it's easy to mindlessly eat without even tasting your food.
Plan meals ahead of time so that you have meals and snacks prepared. If you do choose to indulge, you've prepared yourself mentally for the occasion. Stop and ask yourself if you are hungry, thirsty, or why you might be wanting something in particular. Does this food help or hinder your goals, and if so, are you okay with it?
Slow down, savor your food, and enjoy the flavors.
Additional Tips
- Get regular exercise.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Get enough sleep.
- Don't deprive yourself. Allow yourself to enjoy your favorite foods in moderation.
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By following these tips, you can enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season!
