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5 Healthy Holiday Eating Tips

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According to a recent Weight Watchers report, the average American gains around 7-10 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Moreover, much of this weight is maintained from thereon despite our promises (as we help ourselves to another slice of pie) to go on a diet in January. 

But, I am a true believer that ALL foods can be part of a healthy lifestyle. Yes, this includes our favorite holiday meals and treats.  Here are some tips on how to be more mindful while still enjoying your favorite dishes during the holidays. 

1. Don’t skip meals to make room for your holiday meal

No one wants to be the “hangry” person at the party. Just like any other day skipping meals can leave you feeling like you could eat the world which can make it hard to stop when you are full therefore, you overeat. Eat consistent meals throughout the day to help keep you satisfied, reduce cravings and binging.

2. Balance and moderation in all meals

Moderation where necessary, be mindful of what you’re eating. Start by filling half your plate with non-starchy vegetables, a quarter of your plate with protein and the other quarter with carbohydrate rich foods. No matter where you are you can always use this as a guide to eat a balanced meal even when you are not at home. If you’re unsure what will be offered don’t hesitate to bring a dish to complement your meal.

3. Listen to your hunger cues

This is a great opportunity to practice listening to your body’s cues. Ask yourself, as you serve yourself and while eating: How hungry am I? How full do I feel? Is the food as good as I expected? It is normal to overeat sometimes. This can often happen on special occasions such as the holidays. However it is okay to also turn down food politely if you really don’t feel like eating more or having something that wasn’t as satisfying as you thought. There are plenty of times that I take a bite of something and it’s just not as good as I remember and decide not to finish it. Try starting with smaller portions if you’re not quite sure you will enjoy a dish. Remember you can always go back for seconds.

4. Eat nutrient-dense foods 

Another important one is eating nutrient-dense foods, specifically the proteins. So our foods that are high in protein are digested a little bit slower in the body. Thus, when we eat them, we have these feelings of being full for a long period. So at that holiday dinner, opt for getting those extra servings of turkey or ham. Fill your plate with that protein. It’s going to take up a lot of volume in your stomach and help prevent you from overheating.

5. Eat and enjoy

Don’t put hard limits on yourself. It’s the holidays. The holidays are a time to be with your family and friends. It is also a time to ENJOY your favorite foods. Give yourself permission and skip the guilt. Seriously, it’s okay. Don’t let food be an added stressor during the holidays. Set yourself up for success by using the tips above to help you be more mindful during the holidays, and better yet, throughout the whole year. 

Note To Self: New Mother In A Crisis

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I look at him and think about just how lucky I am. But what about him? My son was born just a few short months ago and I can’t help but feel like he’s entered a world even foreign to me.

This year, my first Mother’s Day looks a little different than what I imagined. There were no flower deliveries, no brunch reservations to make and keep, there wasn’t even celebratory hugs from my own Mom to pass the torch. COVID-19 has changed how we interact and connect with others to the extent that a classic Mother’s Day looks unrecognizable. I am willing to sacrifice in any way so much so that he can have a better life than I did. But I will admit, I feel helpless.

I would love to hug my Mom on Mother’s Day, but what I really want to see is my mother hugging her new grandson on this day. I realize having my Mom visit at the beginning of his birth comforted me in more ways than one. Now, we are without her touch, her sneaking of salt in my boiling pots (I saw you Mom), or even her throaty laugh filling our room. In the last six weeks, my parents and in-laws haven’t held or kissed my son, instead have had to restrict themselves to virtual visits. With New York being an epicenter of the virus, we didn’t want to take any chances of visits.

This unexpected occurrence along with Mother’s Day brought its own challenges to me personally; emotionally and mentally. However, we humans are resilient creatures. People are taking a cue from what many Mothers do best: coming up with creative ways to salvage a crummy situations. We’re focusing on the things that we love, opening new lines of dialogue, and reminding others that there can be beauty in this time of crisis. We can get to know each other and even ourselves on a much deeper level.

Perhaps Mother Earth is reminding us all what means to take a step back, reflect, regroup, and be more than we have been.

When I look at my son today, I know that I will continue to be strong for him. I can’t sit, lost in a worrisome mindset. I won’t succumb to the paralyzation hoping to keep me (and you) from enjoying the love that we have in the here and now and I keep reminding myself every time I get scared to choose love.

Mother’s Day in a pandemic will be lonely for many. but I hope all Mothers know we have each other.

Soulrenity Sunday – Presence Over Presents

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With the holiday season quickly approaching let us focus on ‘togetherness’. Listen as we explore showing gratitude by giving our time, attention, and active listening to others. Presence is of greater importance than presents during this season, show those you care about this in earnesty.

Listen to the full ‘Soulrenity Sunday’ podcast here!

​Join Natali and her co-host Dawn on a Soul Journey into the wild with Soulrenity Sunday. On the last Sunday of the month we will talk about our views, ideas, and beliefs surrounding spirituality and more. Our goal is always to stop, listen and get in touch with our authentic selves.

Are you ready to reconnect with your soul-renity?

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Spread the Soulrenity!