No matter how many holiday parties you go to, keep the positive vibes of the season going. May the nourishing holiday food you eat be enjoyed, mindfully and happily.
BY: MEME INGE, MS, RDN
The holidays can bring out some unpleasant feelings when it comes to food. However, enjoying the food you love shouldn’t make you feel guilty or negative in any way as long as you stay mindful about the choices you’re making.
Instead of letting your emotions take over, use these tips to help you enjoy the holidays
1. Eat Food You Actually Like.
Eating is supposed to be an enjoyable experience, so eat food you actually enjoy eating. What do you like to eat? That’s what you should eat.
Don’t eat food that doesn’t taste good to you, and don’t eat food just because it is there. Also don’t eat food just because it’s “healthy.” Eat food because you like the way it tastes, and it makes you feel energized, nourished, and satisfied.
2. Don’t Restrict Yourself
Eat regular meals and snacks before holiday parties, just as you would a normal day. Don’t skip meals because you are “saving” up for later. This can cause feelings of deprivation and lead to binging later on. Stay consistent with eating at regular intervals that works for your schedule and hunger levels.
3. Respect Your Body
Your body deserves your love and respect. Sometimes, it can be hard to always love your body, but it needs your respect always. How can you do that? Be kind to those taste buds of yours, and eat foods that taste good and make you feel good.
This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t eat foods with absolutely no nutritional value, but taste absolutely delicious…they are never off limits! Just eat those foods less often, and when you do eat them, really take the time to enjoy them.
4. Manage Your Stress Levels
Overeating or undereating when you’re stressed can become a real thing over the holiday season. That’s why it’s important to work to keep your stress levels in check.
If you choose to exercise as part of your stress management, remember that exercise is not for punishment, to burn off calories, or to give you extra room to eat more. Exercise is about helping you feel less stress and more grounded, have better sleep, boost your immune system, and more.
5. Forgive Yourself
When life happens and things don’t go according to plan, you may find yourself on the other end of a food binge session. Or maybe you chose mostly foods that make you feel not-so-great. Either way, forgive yourself. It’s bound to happen, and it’s ok.
You will be ok. Your body will be ok.
Take a second to note what might have gone wrong, then move on. Don’t let this tiny snafu lead to bigger issues. Learn from it and go back to eating the delicious foods that serve you and your body.
Adapted from the original article.
HEADER IMAGE: MIRA BOZHKO
Meme Inge, MS, RDN is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist based in San Diego. She shares approachable, nourishing recipes to prove that living a healthy lifestyle can be budget-friendly, delicious and fun. Get to know more about Meme at Living Well Kitchen.