Day 1: Navigating the Festive Feast: Mindful Eating for a Healthier Holiday
Day 1: Navigating the Festive Feast: Mindful Eating for a Healthier Holiday
As we dive headfirst into the holiday season, the tantalizing aroma of festive treats and the cheerful clinking of glasses surround us. It's a time of joy, connection, and delicious food and drinks. While the holidays are a time to savor and celebrate, it's easy to find ourselves caught in the whirlwind of mindless eating.
The Holiday Hurdle: Mindless Munching
We've all been there – surrounded by a tempting spread at a social gathering. Our eyes widen, and it seems like our inner voice nudges us to try some of everything. From savory appetizers to sweet treats, it's a feast for the senses. The result? We end up mindlessly sampling every dish on the table, often without even realizing it.
Then, those irresistible trays of cookies and treats seem to appear everywhere we turn like we are Santa on Christmas Eve. They're there, and they are often hard to resist. It's not that we don't want to indulge, but sometimes it's more about the impulse of grabbing one because, well, they're there.
And let's not forget the festive drinks – the cocktails, the creamy eggnog, and the bubbly champagne. It's easy to lose track of how many we've had, especially when caught up in the holiday cheer. These beverages might be delicious, but they can also pack a hefty dose of empty calories. (This is why I only have certain beverages this time of year and not at other times.)
Embracing Mindful Eating
Here's the good news: we can relish the season's flavors without falling into the trap of mindless consumption. Enter mindful eating – a practice that invites us to savor each bite, appreciate the textures and truly enjoy the experience of eating.
Choose Your Holiday Foods Wisely:
Instead of piling your plate high with a bit of everything, take a moment to survey the spread. Pick the dishes that speak to your senses and savor each bite mindfully. Quality over quantity, my friends. And, why, why, why have something that you can get at any time of the year? I don’t understand chocolate chip cookies for the holidays, but maybe that is just me.
Treats Are Meant to Be Enjoyed:
When faced with those irresistible trays of cookies and treats, permit yourself to indulge – but do so consciously. Choose the treats you love, savor each bite, and remember, there's no rush. Enjoying a smaller portion mindfully can be more satisfying than mindlessly devouring a whole plate.
Sip and Savor:
As for the festive drinks, there's no need to abstain. Instead, be mindful of your choices. Opt for lighter options, alternate with water, and savor the flavors. It's not about restriction; it's about enjoying in moderation.
Now, you may not remember this at all the holiday events, you can always do what you want and eat what you love. However, if you go in mindfully, you may not eat as much and be okay with less.
Check-in on the blog tomorrow for the BONUS Take Five: Five Tips for Mindful Holiday Eating
