During the season of sugar plums and chocolates, healthy eating seems to be the hallmark of a completely non-jolly holiday season. Although every social media platform is full of cauliflower mashed potatoes, or “healthy” chocolate pies (Seriously though, what could possibly be in that), I’m here to say it’s okay to indulge. It’s okay to get seconds of your grandmother’s secret recipe pumpkin pie or to have a glass or two of wine with dinner. What’s not okay? The unhealthy thoughts you have when doing it.
It seems like the holidays revolve around food these days. The entire day is planned to maximize the amount of food someone can eat later — for example a holiday-themed 5k in the morning and then fasting the rest of the day leading up to the big meal. Well, instead of this food-centered perspective, I challenge you to shift your focus on something else — family and friends. Take a break between bites by enjoying the company around you. Catch up with your younger cousins or your aunt that you never see. By switching your focus from feast to family, you’ll realize there is a lot more to the holidays than what you eat.
The unhealthy thoughts that come with indulgences are hard to escape. During the holiday season, it is definitely important to stay active. This does not necessarily mean going to the gym every day, but just some everyday activities that get you moving. Decorating the house, taking the dog for a walk or helping out with housework are all great ways to stay active in the cold weather. Exercise should not be a punishment for what you ate or what you will eat. Using it as currency for calories is just as toxic as stuffing your face with holiday treats on each of the 12 days of Christmas. Exercise to eliminate the negative thoughts, not perpetuate them.
One of the most common tips you hear about healthy eating is to slow down. By eating slower, you can more easily recognize when you’re full. While I do think this is a good rule to follow, I also believe that most of us don’t keep eating because we think we are hungry. We keep eating because it is delicious food that usually only comes around once a year! There is really no way to make it all taste less delicious; sorry! However, instead of just listening to your stomach when you’re full, listen to your whole body. Trust yourself and take a moment to check-in.
The holidays are a time to be thankful. It is all too easy to let the guilt for our indulgences ruin the happy spirit. So, while you are trying your best to keep your plate healthy, don’t forget to keep your mind healthy too. And to those who struggle to focus on anything besides food, and not just during the holiday season, you’re not alone. Let’s enjoy this season and make it about much more than just food.