Surviving The Holidays

1. Do NOT Skip Meals

   Skipping meals in an attempt to save calories leaves your body in a state of starvation. If you arrive at a party or family gathering famished, you may be more likely to gorge on anything and everything you see. Eat normally and sensibly throughout the day (balanced meals) and your body will nutritionally be satisfied with no physical need to binge.

2. Eat a Normal Sized Portion

   Holiday time brings a wide variety of rich and delicious food to the table. It’s easy to let our eyes have a feast and overfill the plate. Treat a holiday meal as you would any other meal; enjoy a little bit of everything, but remember to take human bites!

3. Eat Mindfully

   Be conscious of food and savor every mouthful. Visually, look at the food on your plate. Is it colorful? Does it look appetizing? Inhale the aroma of the food. Is the scent appealing? Does it bring back any memories to your mind? Place a small amount of the food inside your mouth and feel its texture. Is it creamy, crunchy, crispy, etc.? Let the food touch every area on your tongue so you can taste all the different flavors. Is it sweet, salty, bitter, pungent, or spicy? Chew twenty times per mouthful (at least) and begin the process of digestion and assimilation by mixing your food with your saliva. Chewing helps digest food more efficiently, gaining more nutritional benefits. Chewing also lets your body and mind know that you’re eating! If you can allow yourself to experience food more intimately you may have no need for seconds or thirds.

4. Freedom

   Give yourself freedom to eat anything you want. Do not forbid yourself any particular food otherwise you might create an unhealthy desire for it (obsession!). Forbidding food could cause you to overeat many other foods in search of something to satisfy that initial craving. And then, you may eventually wind up eating the “forbidden” food anyway. Let yourself enjoy whatever you want just remember to mindfully eat a normal sized portion.

5. Bring a Dish

   Make your favorite holiday dish using the best quality organic ingredients and put in an extra dash of love! Sharing your food with friends and family is a great way to express your creativity and affection to those you care about.

6. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise

   Even though you may be away from home and your regular exercise routine, it’s wise to get your body moving wherever you are. Take a walk with a friend or family member before or after dinner. Ask a relative if they belong to a gym, and want to go for a workout with you. Exercising with a new partner is a great way to bond over the holidays while keeping your physical body healthy at the same time.

7. Enjoy Yourself

   This last healthy tip is self-explanatory. Happy Holidays!

Better food for better health,
Andrea Beaman, HHC