Thanksgiving is a start to the holiday eating. Not that it's the only holiday with good food, but of all the holidays, I would reckon to say that Thanksgiving is the king of feasting. It's also a prelude to good eating during the holiday shopping and of course, Christmas. So it's probably no surprise that we feel most conscientious about eating or overeating at this time of the year. For those who actually have a "cold" winter, it's only natural to stock up on carbs and fat during the holidays. It works to insulate our bodies as we go through the harsh winter. For those who have mild winters, this reasoning doesn't alleviate feelings of guilt from overeating much. Here are some thoughts about getting through all the superfluous wining and dining we will encounter this holiday season.
Change your mental framework. Just like glasses help us see better, our mental framework helps us interpret our environment and actions. When we have a mental framework that looks negatively on having one too many pieces of pie, then we are more harsh on ourselves as a result. Even a mental framework that unhealthy food or holiday eating is bad for us can negatively impact us. Instead, I encourage having a mental framework that is more flexible and accepting. We can be more kind to ourselves for giving in to eating carbs and sweets. We can also be more accepting that we are good and worthy no matter if our waistline is not where we think it should be.
Have positive thoughts about food. We often make food our enemy when it's really not. Food keeps us strong, nourishes our brain, and brings us closer to our loved ones. So instead of hating on high carb delicious foods, we should savor and look at them more positively for the good things they do for us.
Manage your stress. Holidays are a happy time, but can be stressful due to financial, family, or even emotional reasons. Stress can contribute to more cravings and even emotional eating. Stress during the holidays does not necessarily come from negative things, but managing it no matter the cause is beneficial all around. It can help us enjoy the holidays more. Since stress is higher as Thanksgiving or Christmas approaches, managing our stress can especially help us to enjoy the days leading up to Thanksgiving or Christmas day. It's a month and a half of happiness that we miss out on when we do not manage our stress.
Change your mental framework. Just like glasses help us see better, our mental framework helps us interpret our environment and actions. When we have a mental framework that looks negatively on having one too many pieces of pie, then we are more harsh on ourselves as a result. Even a mental framework that unhealthy food or holiday eating is bad for us can negatively impact us. Instead, I encourage having a mental framework that is more flexible and accepting. We can be more kind to ourselves for giving in to eating carbs and sweets. We can also be more accepting that we are good and worthy no matter if our waistline is not where we think it should be.
Have positive thoughts about food. We often make food our enemy when it's really not. Food keeps us strong, nourishes our brain, and brings us closer to our loved ones. So instead of hating on high carb delicious foods, we should savor and look at them more positively for the good things they do for us.
Manage your stress. Holidays are a happy time, but can be stressful due to financial, family, or even emotional reasons. Stress can contribute to more cravings and even emotional eating. Stress during the holidays does not necessarily come from negative things, but managing it no matter the cause is beneficial all around. It can help us enjoy the holidays more. Since stress is higher as Thanksgiving or Christmas approaches, managing our stress can especially help us to enjoy the days leading up to Thanksgiving or Christmas day. It's a month and a half of happiness that we miss out on when we do not manage our stress.
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