The holidays are upon us, and I don't know about you all, but I am so excited and also constantly full! With that said, all that holiday eating and partying can cause some anxiety when trying to loss or maintain weight. BUT that does not have to be the case! As a dietitian and fellow human being, by no means do I ever expect anyone not to enjoy their holiday favorites around the family table. Rather, I would like to take the time to promote mindful eating for the holidays, which allows you to eat all your favorites, just in moderation!
Mindless eating occurs when we eat out of craving rather than true hunger. True hunger is physiological, the feeling of an empty stomach. Craving is smelling pumpkin pie after just finishing a meal and wanting to have a piece despite not really being hungry (that is mindless). Our bodies are very good at self regulating, and a lack of hunger should tell you that your body is satisfied and received its needs! Eating anymore is putting your body into a surplus and will require your body to store those excess calories, generally as fat.
Moral of story: you can have your pie and eat it too, just wait until you are actually hungry after dinner! Mindful eating is something that should be used regularly, but is even more important around the holidays! The American Heart Association put out an excellent article about this and other tricks for holiday eating that I would like to share with you all below! Pick a few tips and try them out around the table!
Looking for a healthy recipe to bring with you to the family dinner? Try this Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apple and Cranberries recipe! Don't like Brussels Sprouts? Try it with broccoli, cauliflower or cabbage instead!
Take time to slow down & enjoy your Holidays!
Have Questions? Ask!
Grow Strong my Friends!