Are you ready to count your blessings and enjoy the feast?
Ready for the ultimate celebration of the table?
This week we’ll enjoy family and friends, make some new memories, practice traditions and then get down to some SERIOUS eating. Food can bring us a lot of joy, but when we over-do it, you know it takes it’s toll! The key is to celebrate mindfully and I have just a few quick tips to help you enjoy this Thanksgiving (and the rest of the holiday season too!) without sabotaging your health, energy and holiday radiance!
#1 Give yourself permission to enjoy every bite.
The guilt we often feel after over-indulging can be more toxic than any food we eat. It causes stress, raises cortisol levels and creates a toxic environment in the body. You know you’re going to eat. Acknowledge it, enjoy the meal and move on! Thanksgiving Day is no time to be counting calories or depriving yourself of delicious foods out of guilt or fear of weight gain. That said, you don’t have to eat everything! See #2!
#2 Don’t indulge in foods you don’t love, just because they’re on the table
For me this would be something like sweet potato casserole. You know the one, with the marshmallows and brown sugar? While I love sweet potatoes, I’m NOT a fan of this traditional casserole. Too sweet! I’m going to want to enjoy some sugar on Thanksgiving, just not in that!
Before you put something on your plate, mindfully consider whether or not you truly enjoy eating that food. If not, politely pass on it. You’ve got lots of other (possibly healthier) options to choose from!
#3 Search out the healthiest foods first
Take larger portions of the healthiest foods, then fill around that with the “less healthy”. When you focus on eating the healthiest foods first, you will naturally eat less of the rest. Psychologically, you get the most gratification out of eating a food in just the first couple bites. Keep that in mind and know that if you’re filling up on the good stuff, it’s entirely possible just enjoying a few bites of something rich and decadent will satisfy you just fine.
#4 Don’t “save up” your calories for later
Skipping meals is never a good idea, even on a day like Thanksgiving. Skipping meals wreaks havoc with your blood sugar, leading to overeating and poor food choices. Instead, nourish your body in a healthy way the day of the big meal, even if that just means having a healthy breakfast and a couple of good snacks throughout the day. You will be much less likely to over-do it later in the day and will feel much better!
#5 Slow down and chew your food
I’m not gonna lie. This is one of my toughest challenges. I’ve always had a tendency to “inhale” my food. But digestion begins in the mouth and your digestive system is going to need all the help it can get. It’s gonna have a lot of work to do! Slow down and savor your food, taking the time to thoroughly chew it. This allows it to begin to break down and digest before swallowing. This is more important than most people realize! Slowing down also allows you to relax and enjoy your food more.
#6 Move on quickly from the leftovers
This is probably the most important tip!!!
A couple of days of indulgence won’t derail your health goals, but a whole week will. Get back on track as soon as possible by eating healthfully as soon as the big meal is over and ramping up the exercise throughout the holidays.
# 6 Choose joy over stress
Commonly this time of year, we get so caught up in the shopping, obligations and rush of the holidays that we become over stressed and exhausted and lose focus on what’s important. Stress is a joy-stealer. Keep the reasons we celebrate front of mind. Focus on family, friends and faith rather than the stuff and the to-do lists. Keep it all in perspective.
Wishing you many joy-filled moments around the table this holiday season. Happy Thanksgiving! I’m grateful for you!
Live nourished,
Heather
