by Elizabeth Magee, LRD
We made it through one big holiday hurdle, Thanksgiving! It’s my personal favorite because it’s based around eating, socializing and if you do it right, a nap! Sign me up.
So far, I’ve had one Christmas party this December, but there are many more celebrations to come, not to mention holiday treats everywhere. Temptation and yumminess.
It can feel hard to navigate the holiday season sometimes. And that’s just the food part of it. I’m not even going to get started on how stressed buying gifts makes me. I’ll stay in my lane with nutrition. The arrival of the holidays does not need to mean the departure of good health. You can have it all!
The season feels long (Thanksgiving until New Year's) but if you break it down, it’s probably only a few days here and there that are filled with festivities. Start with that. It isn’t 6 weeks of indulgence, it might be closer to 6 days. Does thinking about it like that help anyone? Maybe takes that fear of gaining the holiday weight out? Most people don’t gain the five pounds that’s talked about. It's usually closer to one or two pounds. And remember, if you are trying to lose weight, a good goal around the holidays is to just maintain where you’re at!! That’s acceptable and much more realistic in my opinion.
This season is meant for happiness, enjoyment, surprise and togetherness, not feeling bad about what we ate. Enjoy the foods that come around once a year and don’t feel guilty about having them. They might bring back some of your best memories or be part of your favorite tradition. Feel those feelings! That’s what its all about. Take in the excitement, think about the reason you’re gathering with everyone. The food is just a bonus.
Pay attention to staying on track the other days around this season. It may help you stress less on those actual days that are meant for celebration. Not guilt and how you’re going to work out so hard the next day to make up for.
Keep your schedule and routine for a better sense of balance. In my opinion, that’s more important than those few days that involve get togethers with special people. It might just help you sit back and enjoy the whole season.
Elizabeth Magee is a licensed registered dietitian. Her posts appear monthly on OYT.
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