Eat your way through the holidays

This time of year diets and good intentions go out the window. Surrounded by so much holiday goodness, we eat our way through an excess of sweetness, promising ourselves we will be good next year.

1. Don’t feel guilty. Enjoy a treat, or two. or three.
2. Mix it up. Blend in some vegetables, proteins, fish, nuts, fruit – you know, the healthy stuff. Then the goodies won’t won’t seem so bad.
3. Realize that food is food. Be mindful of what you eat, appreciate the healthy foods and savor the sweet ones, while being mindful of what you eat and ‘how’ much you eat. Be satisfied, but don’t overstuff.
4. Get in a little extra walking time. Take a stroll with the family or friends. Walk the dog more (you will both appreciate it.)
5. Don’t starve yourself just so you can splurge. Eat regularly, that way you won’t ‘overdue’ it, nor store up fat because your body thinks it will need it later.
6. Practice Gratitude. Food is only a small part of the holidays. Enjoy time with friends and family. Socialize at holiday gatherings. Be grateful for this time and the delicious food.
7. Don’t ‘splurge’ at every holiday party, spread out the goodness. Set reasonable limits and find balance when being tempted.
8. Water! Water! Water! – With all of the excess sweetness and holiday drinking, don’t forget the most important thing – Water. In the mornings, add a little something extra to your glass of water – add a lemon and drink warm. Your body will thank you.
9. Slow down. One delicious bite of a divine dessert makes us want more. Instead, slow down, savor the taste, enjoy every delectable bite, then move on.
10. Enjoy! And, remember, the new year is just around the corner so it’s only for a short time before life goes back the way it was before all of that temptation.

Enjoy and embrace the holiday season. Don’t deprive yourself. Relax, remember stress adds a few extra pounds too.

Happy Holidays!