Winter cheer
It's snowing! I watch my daughter wonder at snowflakes swirling. Our snowy day activities are now triggered, we make some milky hot chocolate.
As a displaced southerner, when Old Man Winter and the holidays converge I’d like to sit out the season of shorter days, fading sunlight and social obligations, overwhelmed with treats.
“Bah humbug!”, say friends with cold rosy cheeks. Fear not. Make a few mindset shifts and habit changes to experience more CHEER this winter season.
Today we will focus on making mindset shifts to help you approach the overwhelming amount of food-centered gatherings and food temptations that can be present in this season.
Mindset shifts around food, food, and more food
Instead of thinking, “How can I possibly eat well during the holidays, it’s just too hard?”, try to make a mindset shift.
MINDSET SHIFT: I’ve made progress with my health goals this year. I won’t overdo it this holiday season. I will resist but not restrict. I’ll use mindfulness to slow down.
Prior to a meal:
Music on: have some fun and move while cooking and cleaning
Start the day with a healthy breakfast like oatmeal, eggs, or this butternut squash bake
Hydrate with herbal tea or warm water (skip extra coffee and empty calories in booze)
Skip or modify hors d'oeuvres. Offer healthier options like salmon toasts, prosciutto wrapped cantaloupe, and olives with feta or mozzarella
Revamp favorite recipes and decrease butter, cream, and sugar
Prepare nutritionally rich, delish dishes:
During meals:
Eat loads of vegetables, assess hunger and go back for more vegetables or protein if needed
Small servings of indulgent favorites offer blissful bites, fulfill cravings, and keep you on track
Alternate alcoholic drinks with a low sugar mocktail or sparkling water
After the meal:
Stay tuned, this blog continues later this week with more tips on healthy mindset shifts!
Resources:
Learn more about Mindful Eating from Healthline
Author: Shannon Svikhart, RDN