How to Find Balance and Avoid Food Guilt This Holiday Season
This year has been a bit crazy. I know it’s been tough with lockdowns, working from home, distance learning. The last thing you want to be stressed about is staying healthy during this holiday season. I know the internet has all these crazy diets, no sugar or carbs, but eat as much cheese and meat as you want, or other diets that say stick to your calories, don’t go over 1200 a day. The problem with all of this information, is it’s hard to know what really works, what’s really healthy, and where to find the balance. So how do we find balance and avoid food guilt this time of the year?
During the holiday season I typically see two different approaches for health. Are you one of those people who think, hey it’s the holiday season, I’m going to have this special cookie, and this gorgeous cup of eggnog, I’ll get healthy in the new year or are you one of those people that think i’m going to stick to my plan, so no holiday stuffing for me, not even going to reach for the little bit of chocolate. Sound familiar? That’s okay – we’ve all been there. BUT NEWSFLASH: life doesn’t work that way. It’s all about balance. You don’t have to have this all or nothing mindset.
Because at the end of the day, extremes in any measure are not healthy. Usually this type of mindset leads to guilt, stress and anxiety. If you’ve been really strict on yourself, what happens when you want to enjoy that one slice of cake after dinner? GUILT. What happens when you splurge and eat that huge meal, then realize that isn’t what you really wanted to do. GUILT. Either way, having this all or nothing mindset leads to unhealthy behavior and habits.
So, what’s the key? How do we find the balance for our health goals this holiday season? Take the meals for what they are. They are a meal just like every day of the year. It should be enjoyed and eaten without guilt and without overthinking. Remember, you don’t have to go into the extremes. You don’t have to say I never eat this, so I’m going to eat as much as I can right now! Know that it’s okay to have that Christmas dinner. Eat it, enjoy it, and just move on!
Reality Check: One meal is not going to impact you at all!
It’s all about balance and consistency. What you continually do will impact the progress you make. So if you continually decide, I’m going to eat this big meal, and have this extra dessert day after day.. you will continue to grow that habit. Have a plan and a mindset for what you will continually do for your own health and progress each day.
Be flexible, and make consistent choices that go to your overall goal. That can look like drinking more water instead of sugary drinks, having more green beans instead of all mashed potatoes, eating when you’re hungry and stopping when you’re full. Build consistent habits to find that balance.
So just remember this holiday season. It’s all about finding that balance in the small everyday choices that you consistently make. You can control how you’re fueling your body. You can control your food choices and decide that you don’t have to feel that guilt or stress during this holiday season. Keep in mind what your goals are and the small actions or plan you take towards that.
If you’re really serious about staying healthy this holiday season consider investing in yourself with the Food, Mood & Mindset Bundle. This will give you a customized plan to handle this holiday season. You don’t have to deal with the anxiety and stress over what to do, or how to plan. Take the guesswork out of trying to enjoy these foods without sacrificing your health goals. But most importantly, take control and invest in yourself now so that you can achieve your health goals in this upcoming year.
To find out more about what the Food, Mood & Mindset Bundle includes, click here.
To find out more about what the Food, Mood & Mindset Bundle includes, click here.
