The Holiday Season is here...it brings both a lot of joy and also some challenges. For most being healthy is pretty much "out the window" during this time, but just consider that it might not have to be either/or...it can be more balanced and with that...more enjoyable as well.
FOOD-KNOWLEDGE:
1: Adjust the portion and proportion instead of skipping meals. Choose lighter meals instead. That way you can avoid overeating when the Holiday meal is in front of you because you are not starving.
2: Eat good carbs - that means the complex ones so the simple carbs don't trigger you into eating even more sugary stuff. Avoid going hungry because that will only cause you to desire to snack more on sugary treats between meals. When you go hungry your blood sugar is also low and it will cause even more cravings for sugar.
3: Stay hydrated. Being dehydrated comes before feeling thirsty and can cause you to feel both hungry, tired, foggy, and have more sugar cravings.
MINDFULNESS:
4: Plan time out for YOU so eating does not become your only tool of distraction from the Holiday intensity. There is a lot of stress during this season and making sure you still get a little personal “retreat time” can be simply taking some time to do something for you.
5: Being in a family gathering or feeling alone over the Holidays can feel challenging. Don’t put pressure on yourself that you "have to" or "should" do anything. Notice when you do feel challenged by a situation and make some space to reconnect with yourself = walk away...Gaining perspective helps you feel more centered. Nothing needs to be fixed right now.
6: Acknowledge how you feel when you feel it. It can be difficult in the midst of the Holiday Season to keep your “sense of self” intact, so it is helpful to stay mindful of having some healthy self-compassion.
HABIT-SHIFTING:
7: Remind yourself that there is more food tomorrow instead of promising yourself to be better tomorrow. You can take part in the Holiday AND still practice self-nourishment. Think balance.
8: Schedule Holiday self-care activities that give you some kind of rhythm even if it is just a few min here and there. Don't expect your normal activities to be possible if they are not. Reality is a heck of a concept... but keeping some rhythm helps you feel balanced.
9: Deal with whatever comes up. If you believe you can do it... You can do it. If you are lonely for example... Celebrate with you and buy yourself a gift and treat yourself to a candle-lit meal.
Wishing YOU Healthy Holidays!