Here we are again…the BiG holiday season…the season of parties and family gatherings with plentiful platters of fancy food and drink. It’s all too easy to get swept up in the holiday bustle and the tradition of indulgence at this time of year.
Excessive sugar, alcohol and overeating weighs down your body and contributes to depression, lethargy and a compromised immune system. Struggling to free yourself from the sugar cycle and being susceptible to every cold and flu that comes along makes Winter a long difficult season to deal with instead of sweet time for creativity and self reflection.
The momentary pleasures we indulge in during the holidays can take all Winter to recover from. All the parties and celebrations can leave you with the burden of extra pounds and toxic overload to deal with. If you go overboard for the holidays you’ll likely spend the rest of your Winter trying to “get back on track.”
The best way to enjoy the holidays and preserve your health for the Winter ahead is to listen to YOUR own body about what to eat and what to steer clear of this holiday season.
So here are my three favorite tools for practicing Intuitive Eating…
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Ask yourself if you really want it. Before you load up your plate or say “yes” to that drink check in with your body and find out if it actually wants it. Just because something is offered doesn’t mean you have to eat or drink it. And anything that goes in has to be dealt with in some way. It’s okay to be discerning and feed your body the special foods and treats that it actually likes in the quantities it can tolerate.
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Stay alert and enjoy the process. During the holidays we often “check out” and just sit around stuffing our faces and not even really enjoying the pleasure of the food. This season practice paying attention. Look at the amazing foods you have access to and give thanks and praise each time you eat, really feeling your gratitude. Then take your time and enjoy your meal, chewing mindfully and receiving the flavors and nutrients of the food, feeling the food coming into your body.
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Don’t stuff yourself…you’re not a turkey. Consider that you can only properly digest so much food at one time. Piling up a big plate and eating until your stuffed overloads your digestion. This often sets off a crazy downward spiral of indigestion, constipation, more overeating and weight gain. Be sure to choose reasonable portions, include plenty of fiber, eat meat and sweets in moderation and stay hydrated so that all that lovely food can pass through your digestive tract without causing trouble.
Using these three simple tools will help you enjoy your holiday gatherings without winding up feeling bloated and depressed. They’ll also help you preserve your health and moods so you can enjoy the Winter ahead.
In addition to using these practical tools for intuitive eating this holiday season, be sure to also have plenty of high quality healthy choices available for yourself and your family. Here are a few of my favorite Thanksgiving Recipes:
- Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash
- Roasted Root Vegetables
- Mustard Greens in Coconut Milk
- Butternut Squash Soup
- Cranberry Sauce
- Pecan Pie
- Pumpkin Pie
- Cranberry Bread
- Spiced Chai
If you want an easily printable version of these holiday recipes and great selection of other delicious recipes for everyday eating you can download our 52 Delicious Detox Recipes ebook…
Jo delAmor, Personal Transformation and Detox Coach, co-creator of Whole Body Detox Diet
