holidays

Between Thanksgiving and Black Friday and Cyber Monday, I’m starting to feel gorged in every way. It happens every year for me right as November slides into December: I start to feel almost panicked about the cookies and treats and roasts ahead for the holiday season. I start to feel a sense of gloom–and guilt–that I’m going to roll into the new year 10 pounds heavier than I was at Halloween, which doesn’t feel so merry to me.

When I go there, my first response is to overexert my willpower. I’m sure it’s born of decades of dieting, but I immediately feel like, if I’m going to prevail and not gain weight, then, dang it, I’d better shore myself up for some hefty denial.

But I know better. I learned on my journey towards NOURISH Evolution that denying myself something only made me want it more. In fact, it was only when I removed the ban on foods I enjoyed that I lost weight and kept it off. So nowadays I take a deep breath and remind myself that celebrations are a natural part of being nourished. My job is to make sure I’m mindfully indulging in things like Swiss Chard with Grated Garlic and Braised Kale Tartines with Feta in between the feasts.

In fact, there are a few things I like to do to recalibrate myself in between Thanksgiving and the December holidays, and I’ll be sharing those secrets with members of our Holiday Surthrival Kit.

I find if I’m not mindful about how I approach this time of year, I can feel guilty (when there’s no need to be), frazzled (when a few simple strategies can keep me organized on track) and like an exhausted, prickly mess by the time family arrives on my doorstep.

Truth be told, I created the Holiday Surthrival Kit as much for me (yes, I do use those Meal Grids and day-by-day checklists) as for y’all, although I’ll admit the pretty e-cookbooks (and they are pretty) take it over the top.

Whatever you do, DO spend these weeks in between nurturing yourself and getting prepared, rather than torturing yourself with guilt or depriving yourself. You’ll be in a much better place come the end of December, and a much happier person in the New Year.

Halloween’s a-coming and, let’s face it, many of us are more frightened of what’ll come home in the goodie bag (or beckon from the basket long after the last trick-or-treater has come calling) than even the scariest ghoul. The good news is; practicing mindfulness now can help ward off those wicked pounds that often appear between now and the new year. Here are three questions to ask yourself before delving into any kind of sweet:

Is there a lighter option that would still satisfy me? And by lighter, I don’t mean Snackwells or low fat. I mean angel food versus pound cake, poached pear versus triple chocolate torte. Desserts that get their fluff from egg whites and sweetness from fruit or fruit purees tend to be lighter on the whole.
How badly do I really want this? If you’ve been craving chocolate gelato from that little Italian place on the corner all week (am I giving away too much?), a frozen yogurt probably isn’t going to cut it. But if you’ve simply got a generic sweet tooth, then it might just do you fine. Save the decadent splurges for when the urge hits hard.
Can I eat just a few bites? Cheryl’s piece from last Friday, Making Sense of Moderation, touched on this point. If you’re opting for opulence, think about serving yourself a miniature portion; our sense of flavor wanes with each bite, so even if you just have a taste you’re still getting the very best.

This week, as you’re tempted to nibble, be mindful and pick your treats wisely.

Tag Archives: holidays

This Holiday Season, Get Over the Guilt

Pick Your Treats