5 Tips Navigating Holiday Feasting

‘Tis the season to be jolly

A time to enjoy some socializing, and indulging in the many delicious traditional foods including beverages…from a buffet of choice at the company Holiday party to the family gathering with 3+ courses, these 5 tips navigating holiday feasting will come in handy.  Think of them as life skills.

I get it…been there myself and the celebrations never go away. In fact, the holiday season in December is not the only time of the year we feast. We feast when there are special occasions like 50th Birthday Party, celebrations (i.e. Wedding and Anniversaries), vacations and so on.  Discipline only goes so far. You want to be able to enjoy and have fun without throwing discipline into the wind.

“Over time, I would start with sampling a small piece of the dessert I wanted.  If the dessert doesn’t taste up to my liking then I would not indulge any more.” Cheryl

Many a client wanted to look their best for these life events, especially if you are the one getting married or the mother of the bride. Let’s explore several tips to help you navigate the feasting events.

5 Tips Navigating Holiday Feasting 

1. The power of the mind – Our state mind is the first step…enjoy the feasting with no guilt. Before you even leave the house, give yourself permission to enjoy the foods without feeling any guilt. Be yourself and if your favourite dessert is staring at you tell yourself ‘you are mine.’  Over time, I would start with sampling a small piece of the dessert I wanted.  If the dessert doesn’t taste up to my liking then I would not serve myself any more. As I switched over to a cleaner diet, I could start to taste the chemicals.  Blah! Not worth it. Here is my easy to make ‘best ever shortbread cookies’ recipe that wins over many people!
2. Take a snapshot of the whole day –  With a big meal at some point of the day, your other two meals can be light and simple. Instead of going hungry, which I do not recommend, enjoy a medium to large salad for one of the meals. Maybe only fruit for breakfast. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and perhaps warm water and lemon or herbal teas.  A trick might be to eat a healthy snack 2 hours before the feasting so you are not so famished when it comes to sitting down to eat. Similar to going grocery shopping on a full belly.  In this case, not so full but not on empty either especially if you feel that are losing some control at the sight of food. At any time #3 will come in handy.
3. Some breathing room – Before checking out the buffet or eating your first bite, take in long slow breaths. This is creating more awareness on what you are about to do. Some call it mindfulness. So it is time to select your food. Check out what there is or examine your plate. Take pause. Some even say gratitude for their meal. Perhaps you can do this silently. Now you are in awareness mode. What do you want to eat first? Perhaps a drink of water to clean the pallet.
4. Alcohol and water do mix – If drinking alcohol is part of the feasting, then I suggest drinking one glass of water for every alcoholic drink. Let’s include stimulant drinks like coffee, and sugary beverages to the list. There are so many benefits to doing this. Just do it and feel the difference.
5. Give yourself some space – I am not talking about giving yourself more room to dance! This is about timing. I remember the days when dinner would be served then us kids would play for an hour or so while the grownups would clean-up and get dessert ready. In organizing my dinner parties, I give people space or time to digest some of their meal before serving dessert.  Ask or plan for some digesting time before eating dessert.  A good time for more socializing and moving about or even a walk.

With a deep breath…take these 5 tips on navigating the holiday season and use as needed. I would like to hear about how these ‘5 Tips Navigating Holiday Feasting’ helped you or not helped you during this holiday season.

There are several more ways to help with the feasting. Stay in touch with more information by signing up for Your Better Health Newsletter.

Wishing you and yours a very enjoyable and safe Holiday Season!

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Cheryl Millett
Champion for your better health…

Before the age of 20, it never dawned on me that what I chose to put in my mouth would have such a dramatic effect on my wellbeing.

On my path of discovery, I learned that our eating choices directly affected how much energy we have first thing in the morning or that it would build our immune system strength during flu season.  I came to understand how gentle nutritional cleansing directly helped overcome my health challenges. People keep telling me how beautiful my skin is or how I look younger.

As my studies continued, it became obvious that there is an intrinsic connection between the mind, body and spirit which directly affects our health and happiness.  I learned that Omegas are another critical piece of the wellness puzzle. I became convinced when the Auum omegas alone turned on some switches in my brain in just one day.

I have developed a deep appreciation for the wonderful miracle workers our bodies are in the recovery process.  Our bodies have a natural intelligence.  I am passionate to share the connection between nutrition and wellness in my practice and my presentations.

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