How to emerge from the holidays with celebration!
You know it's coming. You know you've recently made a commitment to yourself to nourish your body with healthy foods. Foods that serve you well. Yet, you know it's coming. The parties. The offerings. The friends. The family. The temptations. The explanations. The choices. How will you navigate through this so that when you reflect on the memories the focus is on the actual holidays and not the shame of over-indulgence?
I want to share some strategies that have helped me over the years. There have even been times I didn't gain weight or it was maybe 1-2lbs rather than the standard 10-15lbs. It helps to have strategy because the struggle is real. You are not alone in this!
For the food:
Before a party: Have some broth or a snack of protein and fat
At the party: Focus on meat, cheese, nuts & veggies - with some indulgences in the sugar dept - remember alcohol counts as sugar.
After the party: Meet yourself with self-compassion, celebrate the victories, notice which strategies worked. Try fasting the following day. Think of the weekly average. It takes the pressure off of each day.
For the social interactions:
Before the party: Reflect on your goals. Reflect on why you made those goals.
At the party: (1)Keep things simple. If something is directly offered, say, "No, thank you." (2)Write a permission slip to yourself - "I have permission to say no." "I matter and and I am worthy of taking care of myself." (3) Allow yourself to enjoy the celebration, knowing it doesn't mean you are giving up on your goals, you and mindfully choosing to enjoy and will get back to the "clean eating".
After the party:Meet yourself with self-compassion, celebrate the victories, notice which strategies worked. Try fasting the following day. Think of the weekly average. It takes the pressure off of each day.
You got this! I would say the most important thing to remember and hold close is that shame does not lead to change. Meet yourself with compassion. Remember you are worthy of love and belonging right now. As is.
May you enjoy the holidays and the people you love wholeheartedly. The food is great, but it is secondary. May your heart be filled with gratitude and joy.
Happy Holidays!