Feeling a little overwhelmed by what’s ‘naughty’ and what’s ‘nice’ this holiday season? Grab yourself a glass of bubbles because this is for you!
The festive season is fast approaching and it has never been more exciting (or daunting!). Exciting because we have been deprived of precious time with loved ones (thanks COVID), yet daunting as many of us are feeling insecure in ourselves and anxious about bursting back onto the social scene. For some, the abundance of festive food and a packed social calendar can be overwhelming. Here are our top tips for embracing life this holiday season.
You know you! Follow your gut-instinct. Trust that your body will be able to tell you when you feel like eating a 3-course meal, or when you might feel satisfied with the entrée serve. Your mind and body are incredibly smart and can guide you in the right direction. The holiday season is not a time to be judgmental and rigid about your food choices, but rather a time to be present and enjoy spending time with loved ones.
Our first loves are the most intense, and so is the first mouthful! We perceive the most pleasure from the first few mouthfuls, so slow down, savour them and enjoy. Pause to think if you will enjoy that second serve just as much as the first. And if it’s worth it, go for it! I can tell you the third slice of my mum’s baked pumpkin and ginger cheesecake is still delicious, but nothing compares to the first and I know Elise feels the same about ponchkas over Chanukah!
While Santa might be judging whether you have been naughty or nice, he does not judge your food, and neither should you! There is no such thing as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ foods, we can enjoy them all irrespective of preconceived ideas.
Give yourself unconditional permission to enjoy all the foods, not only over the holiday season but whenever you feel like them. Why should we only have mince pies on Christmas and latkes on Chanukah? We are big advocates for allowing yourself food freedom to help nurture your relationship with food. The more rules we give ourselves around eating, the more likely we are to binge on the exact foods we have restricted. If you choose to enjoy the cheese platter, the kugel and the pavlova with cream, embrace your decision, savour each mouthful and never look back.
It’s the holiday season and we want you to enjoy yourself! To help keep you feeling fresh, energetic and ready for the next soirée, keep your body moving, rested and hydrated. After all, we’re all feeling exhausted after what 2020 has thrown at us.
- Move your body if it feels good for you. Have a hit of cricket on the beach, dance to your favourite playlist, or walk down to your local coffee spot and back. However you choose to move, make sure it brings you a little joy.
- Aim for 7-9 hours of replenishing zzz’s each night, this might mean allowing yourself an early night or a cheeky sleep-in.
- Grab yourself a reusable water bottle, jazz up the H2O with some fresh fruit and mint and drink-up! Aim for 35ml per kg of body weight of water each day to stay well hydrated.
Give yourself a little love! We live in a society that promotes unrealistic and unhealthy ideals of health and beauty. Studies show that nearly three quarters of us are dissatisfied with our appearance in some way. If you catch yourself feeling down about your shape, try to focus on what your body can do and what you are grateful for. Repeat this to yourself “I enjoy and appreciate my body for all it is capable of”. For a deeper dive into increasing your body positivity read our Blog on Body Image.
Bottom Line
Foods greatest power is perhaps not any nutrient it might hold but it’s ability to connect us to people. It is at the centre of everything we celebrate as friends, families and communities. Now is our time to reconnect with our loved ones and make up for lost time together this year. Remember you are more than your waistline or a number on the scales (*cough cough throw out the scales). You have been missed, loved and admired for so much more than what you look like.
If you would like support with your relationship with food and nutrition, or some tips to navigate your festive season, book a free 15 minute consult with us today.
