One Bite at a Time: Navigating Holiday Treats with Ease

It's the holiday season (♫the holiday season♫). Although we are super excited about the sweets, treats and peppermint-coated goodness that comes with this time of year, we are riding the wave of the Winter Arc and do not want to fall back into bad habits. The holidays are meant to be enjoyed over mulled wine, baked pies and Santa's cookies, but that doesn't mean we drop the gym and our established routines. It doesn't have to be all or nothing. We can enjoy the snow and a glass of coco while hitting our macro goals and feeling guilt-free. Looking for a way to balance food guilt, healthy habits and the holidays? Look no further :)

Mindful Eating: Savor your food

Mindful eating means being present with your food and holding space for it like we've been doing recently with the lyrics of Wicked's "Defying Gravity." Instead of eating as quickly as possible, savor each bite and notice how your body feels. Establishing that mind-body connection will help you detect if you are still hungry or need more food to satisfy your hunger levels.

Set Boundaries

While we love festive foods, it is essential to set a few boundaries so we are still living a happy, healthy and balanced life. Setting boundaries is not the same as restricting. Instead of swearing off desserts or stuffing, remember the foods your body may not react well to. With all this in mind, you can go into your holiday dinner without the stress of restriction and the guilt of indulging in the good stuff.

Mini Plates: The Apps Hack 

Festive times call for festive appetizers and lots of 'em. Use this little hack if you often find yourself full on cheese board finds and finger foods before dinner is served. Appetizers are usually prepped with mini plates, so why not use them? Instead of picking at the board and dishes as the night goes on, make a plate for yourself and treat the appetizers as a mini meal. Sit down, grab a drink and eat. Here, you can understand how much you are eating visually and won't have to guess the amount of goat cheese or brie you had throughout the night.

Stay Active

As I said earlier, the holidays should not be all-or-nothing. Being active and getting movement can kick-start digestion while also keeping your body going. It's important not to look at exercise during the holidays as a form of punishment or a way to burn off all the calories you just ate. So, be sure to be active in ways you enjoy. Go on a post-meal walk with the family or take your relatives to your favorite hot yoga class — move in the ways that make you feel good.

Self-Compassion Goes A Long Way 

Holidays are a celebration of tradition, community and food. So, remember to have some compassion for yourself. Hatred will not move you further but set you back from your goals. The more in tune you are with your body and the more you support yourself with healthy and balanced habits, the further you will go on whatever journey you've begun. You are human, so embrace these moments of joy without judgment.

The holiday season is filled with indulgence and celebration, but for those struggling with their relationship with food, this bright time of the year can bring about the darkest thoughts. It can bring anxiety and guilt, but with these tips and tricks, it's possible to enjoy the festivities without compromising your well-being. It's the most wonderful time of the year for a reason: do not let sour thoughts ruin your sweet days. Let's stay grounded and find balance without feeling deprived of goodies or overindulging on them.

Happy Holidays from all of us at The Edge Magazine!