Are you approaching the holiday season with excitement, or do you feel a slight sense of dread and guilt when you think about how you typically feel after those holiday parties? Overindulgence is the biggest thing I hear about when asking clients and gym members about their holiday plans. I often get responses like, "My Thanksgiving was great, but now I'm trying to make-up for everything I ate and drank!"
Our society has become so saturated in extreme behavior, we have forgotten how to live in a balanced, mindful manner. The holidays are all too often a glaringly obvious example of this. The good news is that it is entirely possible to enjoy the holidays without the typical guilt, regret and weight gain come January.
Moderation. Start practicing this one simple concept today, and you will find more joy throughout the holidays and into the New Year. Here are few tips for how to begin:
Forget rules. If you are the one at Thanksgiving dinner that says, "I would try those delicious looking mashed potatoes, but I promised myself I would stay away from carbs," then this tip is for you! Depriving yourself of simple pleasures will inevitably lead to overindulgence down the road. Give yourself a break, and take the time to appreciate the good food that you probably only eat once a year.
Remember the purpose of the meal. We eat to nourish out bodies, and we gather over the holidays to spend quality time with friends and family. If you think of a meal as a time dedicated to these two things, you won't want to overeat. Respect your body and appreciate your opportunity to catch up with the people around your table.
Spend some time outside. Whether heading out for a mid-morning jog or playing with your kids outside, take in some activity and fresh air this time of year. As we transition from Fall to Winter, the weather is cool and the scenery is changing. Thanksgiving, for example, is on a Thursday. How often do you get to spend recreational time outdoors on a week day? Take advantage of your day off from work!
Relax. Stress increases cortisol levels and our bodies respond with a "fight or flight" response. We are more likely to overeat when we are stressed, and much less likely to actually enjoy the holidays and the people around us. If you are in charge of all the cooking, ask someone to help. If time with family causes you anxiety, take a deep breath and think about their positive qualities. If you are dreading the day after Thanksgiving shopping crowds, save yourself the trouble and order some Christmas presents online this year. By giving yourself the opportunity to slow down this holiday season, you will be able to experience it with mindfulness and moderation.
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