Eat, Celebrate, Stay On Track: Your Guide to Healthy Holiday Dining

Overeating during holidays or celebrations is common. Celebratory eating comes with a sense of rarity that can lead to overindulgence. 

Often, we come into the meal with the mindset that the holidays only come once a year, so we better enjoy it while we can. The reality is that most of the foods on the table are readily available no matter what the season. For example, Thanksgiving dinner typically consists of turkey, mashed potatoes, and various sides, which are relatively easy to make. If there is something on the table you love, chances are it can easily be made again at a later date. 

There are times when an eating experience is rare. For example, there may be a recipe that you or someone in your family only makes once a year because it is labor-intensive. Or you may be vacationing in an exotic part of the world and sampling the local cuisine. During these times, focus on the experience. Enjoy the food! Take each bite mindfully and fully experience the flavors in addition to the sights, sounds, and atmosphere around you. When you engage in mindful eating this way, you will likely enjoy the food more with less. 

Moderation and flexibility are essential in order to sustain realistic lifestyle changes without inducing stress or sacrificing overall enjoyment. During the holidays, try to make healthy choices when dining out, but if you occasionally indulge in something less nutritious, don't beat yourself up about it. The key is balance and enjoying the journey to better health without unnecessary guilt.