Habits for a Healthy (and Enjoyable) Holiday

While the holidays will look very different this year, most of us will celebrate in some way or another. There is no denying that food is at the center of most celebrations. For those with a health or weight loss goal, the holidays can bring stress and potentially derail efforts from the prior weeks. My top tip for this special time of year is to adapt your healthy habits to the season rather than turning a switch off until January 1st . In fact, this time of year presents the perfect opportunity to practice flexibility in your routine; this is crucial to building a long term healthy relationship with food. Consider my tips below to enjoy the holiday season without feeling the need to press reset in the New Year.

Get Behind Delicious Veggie Dishes

I can understand why most fill their plates with starch or protein over the holidays. Many traditional veggie dishes are bland (I’m looking at you steamed carrots) or outdated. By incorporating flavorful veggie-forward dishes, you may find yourself going back for a second helping of them rather than mashed potatoes. I adore these Miso Roasted Brussels Sprouts and my Ultimate Fall Salad would pair beautifully with most dishes. While it is a more indulgent option, Spinach Gratin is a veggie dish worth choosing over macaroni and cheese. Loading your plate with veggies can help to fill you up while lowering the energy density (a fancy word for caloric content) of your meal.

Nourish Your Body Throughout the Day

I can understand why many skip earlier meals in anticipation of a larger meal later in the day. It makes sense- forgoing one of three meals may create a deficit to balance out one or two more indulgent meals. In actuality, this is not the case. Missing breakfast or lunch can result in insatiable hunger and overeating in the evening. The science supports that skipping a meal leads to a greater total daily caloric intake versus eating all three.

Be Mindful of Emotions

The holidays can be an incredibly stressful time of year. For many, they can heighten feelings of loneliness, especially this year. We know that our eating habits and food choices are inextricably linked to our emotions. Simply being aware of this can be incredibly powerful. I encourage my clients to always check in with their emotions prior to eating. If you notice your desire to snack is a result of emotion or boredom, consider supporting that emotion with a phone call to a friend or family member, another enjoyable activity or a short walk outside.

Lose the “All or Nothing” Mindset Around Exercise

Many of us forgo exercise if it can’t be our traditional 60 minute gym workout or pilates class. I recommend being flexible and recognizing that everything counts. Getting your body moving in any way is valuable, especially to support mental health. Exercise during the holidays make look like a family walk, shoveling snow or a shortened version of your typical routine. For those of us that need a clear target to stay accountable, setting a step goal can be an alternative to ensure we spend more time on our feet rather than on the couch.

Focus on Acceptance not Guilt

You may have anticipated this post to be filled with recommendations for healthy dessert ideas or suggestions or low calorie appetizers. I am a firm believer in having indulgent foods as they are and mindfully enjoying every bite. Feelings of guilt following a treat can spiral into more overeating and even binging. Guilt can also lead us to feeling as if we’ve “ruined the day” and therefore viewing it as a complete write off.