Eat the Treats, Keep Your Peace: How to indulge joyfully while staying true to your healthy goals
It’s that time of year for getting together with family and friends, along with all the tasty dishes, pies, cakes and cookies! My goal is to enjoy the holidays without overindulging. However, I have mixed feelings about my eating habits. I want to celebrate the season by fully enjoying all the amazing food - I also want to feel good about not gaining any weight.
Is it possible to enjoy every bite of festive delicacies and, at the same time, make excellent food choices?
Below you will find tips for culinary celebrations without overindulging. Please consider one important question before you look at the tips - “What are your reasons for wanting to make healthy food choices?”
Your reasons are the most important ones!
Holiday Tips
1. Move past an “all or nothing” approach to the holidays. If you try to avoid all unhealthy food you may turn into the Grinch 😡 If you go over to the other side and eat like Santa Claus (unlimited cookies with hot cocoa and marshmallows), you may find nothing but coal in your stocking 😣
2. Savor the Flavor. This is the key to mindful eating. Take time to enjoy the aromas, flavors, textures, and the pleasure of fully experiencing excellent food. Slow down and immerse yourself in the rapture of becoming a connoisseur of festive dining 🤩
3. Portion Control. During the holidays, try different foods and give yourself permission to indulge. Enjoy the quality and limit the quantity. A small portion of a rich dessert in a small, fancy glass can be amazingly satisfying 🍨
4. Remember to drink water - sparkling water mocktails will keep you hydrated and surprise your taste buds! You can also bring your own flavored water drops to add an exotic touch to your H2O
5. Practice gratitude. Being thankful for good food and good company promotes a positive attitude and will help you make excellent decisions. Positivity opens the door to clear thinking and superb choices 😇
Best Wishes to you and all your loved ones this Holiday Season
Nick Palmieri
Wellness Coach Volunteer
Jacksonville Volunteers in Medicine