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Happy November! As we near the end of the year, there is a lot to celebrate and countless events happening between now and 2023. However, for many people, this time of year isn’t all about fun and enjoyment. The holiday season can also come with anxiety and guilt around overeating and over-drinking at parties, family gatherings, and other events that mark the end of the year.
What are some of your biggest nutritional struggles around the holidays? For many people, it’s constantly being around delicious food and drink. For others, it’s stress eating during a very busy time of year. No matter your struggle, you can make this year different. Imagine entering into the holiday season with a plan to enjoy yourself but also find balance and feel great. Sounds too good to be true? Let me show you how.
Here are some tips for finding balance this holiday season:
At big holiday meals: Don’t “save calories” throughout the day by not eating until the big meal. You’ll only end up being “hangry” (hungry + angry), overeating at the big meal, and feeling tired, bloated, and stuffed at the end of the day. Instead, eat normally throughout the day, but choose extra healthy options in preparation for your big meal later on. You can balance it out over many days after the celebration with a focus on mostly healthy eating.
At holiday parties: Follow this simple rule to avoid overeating at parties: plate, table, chair. This means: eat food off of a plate, while sitting at a table in a chair. This simple trick helps you avoid mindless eating as you’re walking around and mingling with other people at the party. By eating off of a plate while sitting at a table, you will be more likely to notice when you’re full which will help you avoid the multiple trips back to the food table.
When there are holiday treats around: Don’t deprive yourself. Saying “no” to all treats will only make you want them more (and could potentially lead to overeating treats later in the day/night). Instead, choose 2-3 small items that look the most tasty to you. Put them on a plate, sit at a table in a chair, and really enjoy them. Pay attention to how they taste, and know that it’s completely fine to enjoy treats if you stick to a small amount. No deprivation necessary!
When it comes to health and nutrition, many people believe that January 1st is the best time to start their diet and take their health seriously. If you’re wanting to get a head start and would like some personalized guidance around getting healthy during the holidays (and into 2023), I’m here for you.
As a dietitian and health coach, I help people simplify their nutrition and figure out a way of eating healthy that is easy to follow, personalized, and sustainable. I am currently accepting nutrition coaching clients for the winter. If you are interested in learning more, the first step is to sign up for a free initial nutrition session. To schedule your free session, click here.
I am also launching an online, self-paced course called “8 Steps to Healthy.” This course will help you create 8 healthy habits that are personalized, sustainable, and will help you feel your happiest and healthiest. No diets or deprivation necessary; just a commitment to taking things slow and steady with the promise of lasting results. If you’re interested in learning more about the course, please email me at emilyrd@emilyzorn.com.
To learn about nutrition, diets, and more, check out my podcast RDs vs BS on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or the website www.rdsvsbs.com.