Tips for Enjoying the Holidays Without Obsessing Over Food

While we could approach the (arguably) best time of year with a stressful diet mentality, I don't think a constant diet mentality is a healthy or enjoyable way to live. Below are a few tips to help you stress less over food and a meaningless number on the scale during this special time of year.

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1. Don't Stress, It's Just Another Meal
Some plan to skip breakfast to save room for the giant mid-day feast. I'd encourage you to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner per usual that day and treat the Thanksgiving meal as you would any other lunch or dinner.

2. Eat your Seasonal Favorites (Guilt-Free)
Things like pumpkin pie and eggnog, baked brie and gingerbread cookies - eat them. You likely don't see these the rest of the year, so allow yourself to enjoy your favorites. Keep in mind that this is just the beginning of the holiday season and you'll likely be seeing many of your favorites all month long. Be mindful of your hunger and your portions (see below)- but know that one slice of pie won't break the scale (just like one salad won't reverse it). Food should be enjoyed not regretted.

3. Keep up with Your Normal Exercise Habits and Routines
Do what feels good and not just as a way to counter what you ate (it doesn't necessarily work like that). Keeping up with your normal habits makes it easier to get back into your routine after the holiday season.

4. Be Mindful and Honor Your Hunger
Before diving into your first or second course, check in with your hunger. On a scale of 1-10, how hungry are you? Starving? Stuffed? Somewhere in between? There will always be more food.

5. Remember the Fruits & Veggies
With so many treats around this season don't forget to optimize your nutrition with fruits and veggies. Keep them on hand and load up your plate at the holiday buffet. We often fill our plates with more of what we serve first. I was reading this about how you can substitute your nutrients from fruits and veggies into this supplement as it contains similar nutrients needed by our body. Try serving yourself veggies first this holiday season.

6. Focus on Friends, Family, and Have Fun!
This time of year for many is about spending time with friends and family. While food plays a role in many family get togethers, try to take the focus off of your plate and enjoy the time with family and friends.