Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay
by Elizabeth Magee, LRD
It's the holidays! It should be a time to enjoy friends, families, special holiday programs, maybe some time off, traveling and HOPEFULLY some of our favorite foods that only come around this time of year.
So why do so many of us feel guilty enjoying them, or worry we'll gain 18 pounds from Thanksgiving to the new year? Studies show, on average we gain less than 2 pounds during the season. Is that something to stress about or skip favorite foods or fun activities over? I'm going to say no. But I’ve been there too, overthinking food choices I’ve made that don’t fall into how my daily eating habits generally go.
It’s not easy for me to lose weight. The thought of gaining it stresses me out and makes me feel bad about myself, which I hate. I’ve stressed over some weight I’ve gained over the past year. I’ve beat myself up, felt bad, and felt jealous that others seem to maintain their weight so easily. This leads to pouting. Not a good look for anyone. But it doesn't have to mean skipping out on making memories during this festive time of year. And the holidays sure are not meant for worrying about weight you may gain (and you may not even)!!
It takes much more than a big meal on Thanksgiving, endless appetizers on Christmas Eve, or even your Christmas Day prime rib dinner to cause some crazy weight gain that's going to stick with you forever. These holidays only make up a few days of the year. It's the other 360-something days we should be conscious of our decisions.
No one will "get fat" from eating dinner on one of these holidays. But our brains trick some of us into thinking that's the only outcome from these meals that are supposed to be a fun, enjoyable experience. Don't let your brain steal that holiday joy!! We want happy holiday feelings! Not shame and guilt!
Do I know all of this? Yes. For sure. Do I still struggle? Sure do! Do I want my daughter and stepdaughters feeling this way? No!! Life is hard enough. We don’t need to make it harder on ourselves, or anyone else.
It has to come down to balance. Moderation. I’ve said it a million times. Sounds easy, certainly isn’t interesting. But it’s what works and will get you through the season! Keep those routines up. If you work out, keep doing that! Keep your regular schedule of meals if you can. Focus on the positive things and tell that negative little holiday voice in your head to go have some eggnog and calm down.
January will be here before we know it. Slow down, enjoy the days and make some memories.
Elizabeth Magee is a licensed registered dietitian. Her posts appear monthly on OYT.
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