Staying Healthy During the Holidays
True story: I used to spend the days after a holiday fasting and over-exercising to ‘make up’ for all of the delicious food I had eaten the day before. It makes me sad to think back on those days, and I know I’m not the only one! Since then, my perspective on health (and life and the enjoyment of life) has changed, and I’ve found that staying healthy over the holidays is so much easier than we think. Keep reading for a few ‘perspective shifts’ I’ve had over the years:
Balance is key. The pumpkin pie, glass of wine, and protein focussed breakfast can all co-exist. The glass of wine or extra scoop of mashed potatoes does not mean your entire day is derailed, and laying on the sofa watching football games and sneaking out to your favorite workout class or a morning walk can co-exist. Enjoy the downtime and indulgence, while continuing to do the things that you know will make you feel good, like staying hydrated, moving your body, and enjoying whole foods that nourish you and give you energy.
Whole Foods Focus. Making holiday meals from scratch does not need to be complicated and it ensures you know the ingredients you are consuming. Home cooking is the easiest way to stay away from food dyes, preservatives, and other highly inflammatory ingredients, while still enjoying your favorite dishes.
Joyful Movement. Taking a family walk is one of my favorite holiday traditions. It may seem silly, but we’ve done it as long as I can remember. It’s quality time together and a nice opportunity for my football obsessed family to take our eyes off the screen! Take walks, sneak away to your favorite workout class one morning, just continue doing the things you enjoy. Again, the workout class and the hours spent binging Christmas movies feed our soul in different ways.
Practice Mindfulness. Another true story: when I was in the cycle of fad diets, I was restricting myself so much that when a holiday rolled around (or any time that I ‘allowed’ myself to indulge), I would completely overeat and be so uncomfortable (and guilty) in the hours and days following. Continue to mindfully eat, no matter what it is. Also be mindful over the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, be careful where your energy is being spent and take the time to rest in the ways that you want to rest as well.
Zero punishment. We exercise because we love the feeling of our body moving, we eat healthy because we know it gives us energy, and we indulge in our favorite traditions because they create memories that last a lifetime. All of these things nourish us in different ways. This simple mindset shift supports our nervous system in marvelous ways.
Have a happy and healthy holiday season!