Having a healthy mindset during the holidays will be a huge help to get you through the parties, social gatherings, and events. Often, the fear of missing out on all of the delicious holiday treats is why you feel drawn to the food and not the actual food itself.
The mentality, ‘If I don’t eat it now, I will have to wait for another year’ is a mentality that clouds judgment. If you want stuffing or sugar cookies, you can have those any time throughout the year. It may take a little longer to find, but they are still available. The way to combat that fear of missing out is with an abundance mindset, allowing you to make better choices during these times.
Skip the shame.
If you go off track during the holiday season, don’t give up. Have you ever heard someone say, “I was so bad, I ate two desserts!” There is nothing ‘bad’ about this. You did not steal the food, but you find yourself connecting your morality with food. STOP! This type of connection (morality and food) can allow undeserved shame to creep into your mindset. In turn, you are causing hurtful thoughts and behaviors.
You are not bad, you are not greedy, and you are not a failure. Try to figure out WHY you ate it. Was it a stressful situation, was it your favorite dish? Does it bring back good memories? No matter the reason, accept that you ate the food and move forward. To help when you come across a similar situation, keep that why in your mindset; that way, the next time you are better prepared to say no or to eat with that special indulgence in mind.
Connect with what matters.
Yes, food is a large part of the holidays, but the food is not the reason you gather together. Instead of thinking about how good Aunt Susie’s cake is, think about how excited you are to see how much Cousin Joan has grown during her pregnancy (Insert whatever family dynamic fits you best). Notice where your focus is, do not think of it as parties where you cannot eat what you want, see it as a chance to make memories with those you love.
Enjoy your family instead of worrying about the food in front of you. Focus on your time with the people you are around. Appreciate the time you are getting to spend with them, the laughter and fun. Deepen and strengthen relationships by thinking more about others than about yourself. Get to know your loved ones better by asking questions. Be curious (in a good, non-creepy way!), let it be about them. Who knows, you may even get some fantastic conversations started by asking questions.
Check-In with yourself regularly.
Saying yes to one more sweet treat, or another drink is easy to do, this is why boundaries play a considerable part in your holiday mindset. You should not do anything that puts your well-being at risk. Not just with food but with events also. Saying yes to everything can hurt your budget and your mental well being as well as your physical well being. Remember, there is nothing wrong with saying, “no, thank you.”
Here are some great questions to ask yourself:
- Am I feeling awful (sluggish, tired, cranky, guilty, etc.) from overeating?
- Am I overwhelmed with my holiday schedule?
- Am I saying yes because I WANT to go to that party/event or just out of guilt?
Centering yourself can seem difficult during the holiday hustle and bustle. Just remember to be grateful throughout the holiday season. Take time to appreciate the positives in life, ground yourself in the present, and focus on the moment, even if it’s just while enjoying a cup of tea with a peppermint stick in it.
You may find it helpful to keep a holiday gratitude journal, writing down three things that you are grateful for each day. You may find it beneficial to dance alone in your room while getting ready, or to sing along with your favorite song in the car. Find a healthy way to calm your mind to get into a healthy mindset. The holidays will become less stressful and more fun!
RECIPE
SPICED BAKED BANANAS
Ingredients:
2 bananas, cut in half
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
PREPARE:
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
Place the banana on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes until lightly brown. Top with cinnamon and nutmeg.
To Your Health,
Patti
