Hello ladies,
The holidays are here! It is the perfect time to eat, laugh, and make memories with the ones you love most. During the holidays it is all about family gatherings, eating amazing food, and keeping family traditions. One of the most important traditions in every family is what we choose to eat during the holidays. Especially thanksgiving! It does not matter if you are eating stuffing or dressing; pumpkin pie or sweet potato pie; yams or carrot soufflé, it’s important that you find ways to eat the foods you love and not feel guilty about it.
Food guilt is real! It is a common overbearing thought that many people have on their wellness journey. Well, I’m here to tell you that you don’t have time for that. In this season in life and every season, you should find joy and choose wellness in every aspect of your life. I want you to make a conscious decision to eat the foods you love during this holiday season and not let guilt take over. Now before you take this statement and run and eat everything in sight, I want you to keep reading and discover five ways you can purposely and strategically enjoy Thanksgiving dinner and other holiday meals without guilt this holiday season.
1. Surround yourself with people you love and enjoy: When you surround yourself with the people you love, your body releases oxytocin. Oxytocin is a hormone released in the body that helps decrease anxiety and stress. It is also associated with balancing glucose levels and your metabolism. When oxytocin levels are increased individuals are less likely to binge eat and therefore are more likely to enjoy a reasonable amount of food in one setting.
2. Focus on portion control: There will be plenty of food to choose from this holiday season. I’m pretty sure you want a taste of it all. To help you focus on portion control on Thanksgiving and other holidays, I have a few tips to make it easy. The first tip is to use smaller dinnerware. If there are a variety of plate sizes, choose a smaller size plate to help you choose the appropriate portion sizes. If there are not different plate sizes to choose from, use your hand as a guide. Proteins should be a palm-sized serving. High-carb and high-fat options should take up less room on the plate and should be no more than one- cupped hand portion. When focusing on portion control, also be sure to focus on eating a balanced meal. Your plate should always include protein, carbs, fat, and fiber.
3. No leftovers: No explanation is needed. No leftovers mean just that. Enjoy one plate and leave the Tupperware at home. The no leftover rule allows you to enjoy yourself today without guilt or regrets.
4. Move your body: Exercising after meals helps regulate blood sugar levels. Reduce gas and bloating and support mental health. Walking is a great idea for the entire family after a holiday meal. If walking the neighborhood is not the best option for your family then turn on the music and dance or opt in for a game of basketball, or football. The point is to get up and move and avoid the traditional “Food Coma” after Thanksgiving that leaves everyone on the couch with low energy levels and physical exhaustion.
5. Give thanks: Although Thanksgiving Day is mostly centered around the food we eat, it is also about celebrating family traditions and cultures. Take a moment to make memories with the people you love and find gratitude for the things you have. Remember wellness is not just about nutrition it is about focusing on “whole health”. Do not let the thoughts of what you eat, and calories take over Thanksgiving Day. Take this time to give thanks and love the people you are celebrating the holidays with today.
Holidays are a perfect time to find new ways to start and strengthen new wellness routines. Keep it simple and create balance. Find joy in the food, people, and traditions you love. Remember this is just one day on your wellness journey, choose what wellness looks like for you today!
Your sister in wellness,
Lauren
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