The holidays can be a stressful time of year. We’re going from party to party, family gathering to family gathering, and trying to get the best deals on gifts for loved ones. The last thing we should be worried about is sticking to our meal plan. So, instead of planning out what you’re going to eat at the next get together, check out these tips for drinking and eating to make your holiday season a little less stressful this year.
1. Don’t Skip Meals
Often, people may try to compensate for all of the calories they think they are going to eat later in the day by skipping breakfast or lunch. This often has the opposite of the desired effect – because you’ve been starving your body earlier in the day, you’ll often overeat at your next meal. Your body wants to consume the food and nutrients it missed out on and you’re much hungrier than you would have been had you eaten breakfast or lunch.
2. Listen to Your Body’s Cues
Our bodies are amazing! They give us signals when we are full and when we’re hungry. If you’re starving before a get together, have a quick snack so you don’t overcompensate later. In turn, listen to your body when it tells you it’s full. More often than not, you’ll be able to bring home leftovers so you can have more of what you really liked later – no need to cram it in when you’re stuffed! Additionally, make sure to take your time when eating. When we eat too fast, we often miss fullness cues. Also, pay attention to your taste buds. No need to finish something if you don’t enjoy it!
3. Everything in Moderation
Don’t feel like you have to limit yourself to just one dessert or one side. Instead, have a smaller portion of that item. It’s never a bad idea to err on the smaller side because you can always get more if you’re still hungry. This tip also applies to drinking. If you’re interested in the signature cocktail but also want a glass of wine, have both but in a smaller quantity. Or, you can even see if a mocktail version or non alcoholic wine is provided.
4. Set a Drink Limit
No one wants to be that person who gets too drunk at the office holiday party. Even if you’re at a family event, no one wants to wake up hungover the next day. Therefore, I often find it helpful to set a limit on the amount of drinks I want to have that night. It can also be helpful to tell a friend or family member that limit so you’re held accountable. After hitting that limit, switch to a mocktail, seltzer, or water!
5. Don’t Punish Yourself
This falls in line with tip number one – don’t punish yourself for overeating or drinking by starving your body or exercising too hard. Give yourself some compassion. Remind yourself that it’s okay to enjoy the holidays and having an extra drink or two or dessert isn’t going to wreck your wellness. Talk to yourself like a best friend would – with love and kindness.
6. Don’t Stress About It!
All in all, don’t focus on what you did or didn’t eat or drink – just enjoy the holidays! Have fun with your loved ones and don’t think about your eating habits too much. As mentioned, the holiday season can be a stressful time for many, so make sure to take the time to relax or get some self care in once in a while. Maybe take a yoga class or do a meditation. Take a long bath or do something as simple as cozying up with a good book. Take care of yourself this season and every season!
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