Ditch the Guilt: Indulge Mindfully

Holidays can bring a lot of stress and stressful eating. Eating is a very social activity and social interaction is explicitly tied to our mental health as well as our physical health. Indulging mindfully can help you enjoy the holidays without food guilt or body loathing. Being more present and mindful during celebrations can enhance your appreciation of food while improving your eating habits. 

Tips for Celebrations and Gatherings

Enjoy the company you are with, socialize away from the food to avoid unconscious snacking. Then give your-self permission to enjoy the food in a moderate way. Load up on the veggies, and be sure to eat some protein. Take a small portion of what you love and savor it instead of avoiding it completely.  The following day: eat high- fiber, nutrient dense foods and lean proteins. 

Useful Techniques to Keep you Feeling Great

• Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate. Drink at least half your body weight in ounces, daily. You can also eat your water by filling up on fresh fruits and veggies.
• Keep Moving. Exercise for pleasure. Try to move 30 minutes to 1 hour, 3 times per week. Walk, run, yoga, dance, play- just pick something you enjoy doing.
• Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics Can be helpful in combating GI problems, such as indigestion, bloating, constipation or diarrhea. Digestive enzymes help keep your gut healthy and help to break down your food for proper absorption.
• Sleep. Sleep deprivation impairs the body’s ability to use insulin- the hormone responsible for keeping stable blood sugar levels. Most people need between 7-9 hours and chances are you already know what your number is.
• Sugar. Take a B-Complex supplement, whenever you eat or drink sugar. It will help to even out your mood and your blood sugar levels.
• Limit Liquid Calories. Opt for water, sparkling water, or diet soda instead of sugary drinks and alcohol.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Sometimes the best thing we can do for ourselves is indulge mindfully. Embracing holiday gatherings with mindfulness can be a valuable part of a holistic approach to well-being, balancing physical health goals. The essential human need for connection and community can also lead to increased feelings of happiness, reduced stress, and lower rates of loneliness and depression. 

Holidays can be a challenging time physically, mentally and emotionally. If you are looking for support this holiday season- give yourself a gift– of self-care. Send me an email at support@behealthyoga today to schedule a Health Consultation. You’re worth it.