A few years ago, this would have been one of the posts I was most eager to write. Iβd spit out all the classic suggestions of eating before you go to a party, volunteering to bring the vegetable tray and either choosing to have a dessert or a drink. Iβm not saying those suggestions are bad advice, but I donβt find the need to be so structured in my thinking anymore.
In fact, I wasnβt even going to mention how I handle the holidays, but after receiving some emails (ok, ok, it was only 3) about the topic, I figured Iβd bring it up. So, how do I handle holiday season eating?
Pretty much how I handle it any other time of year.
Whomp whomp. What a boring answer, huh?
But truly, now that I embrace the idea of intuitive eating, I have zero restrictions or rules on what I can or can not eat. And because of that, I find myself sticking to more nourishing foods.
Mixed greens salad with spaghetti squash and meatballs
Over the years Iβve become very in tune with how my body feels when I eat certain foods. I know a cookie or two tastes great, but I know eating the dough and then a couple cookies makes me feel slightly sick and lethargic.
I know a glass of wine or two makes me super happy, but more than that knocks me on my butt.
I know too much processed stuff and I just feel ick.
In contrast, I know having eating plenty of veggies and protein keeps my energy high and my immune system strong.
Over medium (basted) egg over avocado with bacon crumbles and sriracha with grapefruit
I think itβs also helped that I like the way the good stuff tastes. Eating seasonally and experimenting with new foods makes just another salad, suddenly delicious.
Mixed baby super greens, diced apple, toasted pecans, diced red pepper and fresh parmesan
However, at parties or restaurants, I’m not shy about exploring outside the veggie tray and enjoy the offerings I may not get very often.
like Julieβs ham and cheese sliders, which were deeeeelicious.
Overall, what I think is most important is the letting go of any guilt, a concept I used to work on weekly with my health coaching clients.
Mexican and margaritas? Yum! Then I just make my next food choice one that I know makes me feel more energized.
Mixed baby greens, purple cabbage, avocado, roasted butternut squash, goat cheese and pumpkin seeds
This strategy (if you can call it that) works for me. Yes, holiday eating I feel pretty good about. However, if anyone has any suggestions on keeping up with exerciseβ¦ Iβm listening!
Iβve been pretty terrible at intentional exercise lately and looking for what will motivate and excite me to get back to it, but thatβs a topic for another post.
How to you handle holiday eating?
Do you find it helpful to abide by βguidelinesβ?
What is your favorite holiday/seasonal treat?
Iβm a dip girl and get excited about new dips to try or anything having to do with cheese!
Lindsey @ Simply Lindsey says
During the holidays, I try to make sure I’m still eating lots of fruits and veggies. It’s easy to start making only cheesy and carb-heavy comfort foods, but a lot of those make me feel blah. When it comes to holiday parties, I try to taste a little bit of everything! I think there’s a healthy balance and it’s okay to indulge a little! π
Brittany Dixon says
Oh yes, I love your ‘taste a little bit of everything’ idea! No deprivation and so much fun π
Jen says
I think I mostly eat the same, too. If anything I try to cram in more fruits and veggies because I realize I might eating more sweets. I always tell people that if there’s something really special you only eat (or drink) at the holidays, then eat it! I mean, that’s half the fun, right?
I am not sure I have a favorite holiday treat. I do love baking holiday cookies, but that’s not on the books for this year. I love eggnog, too, but I haven’t had it in years!
Brittany Dixon says
I don’t know if I’ve ever had eggnog. If so, I can’t remember what it tastes like! Maybe I’ll have to check it out this year.
char eats greens says
The pro to the way I eat: I either bring/make it myself and it’s usually something pretty healthy, or if someone else makes it, it’s bound to include vegetables. The con: I normally have to make it myself (this is both a pro and con), because it means more time in my kitchen prepping even if we’re not hosting anything!
Thankfully this holiday, my MIL asked what I would be willing to bring, and I know as a dessert lover, vegan desserts are far and few between (in regular grocery stores), so I’m bringing a “healthy” pumpkin pie and making a protein option, like lentil “meat”balls or something. I do love the holidays, and I like your take on intuitive eating. I think I need to be more mindful of how I feel after eating (three scones in a row), because I’m sure if I listened to my body more, then I could know where I’m overdoing it (the three scones is definitely not one of those areas thoughβ¦ok, maybe it isβ¦ haha)
Brittany Dixon says
ohhhh do you have a good recipe for lentil ‘meat’balls?! I’d love to try them!
char eats greens says
I was thinking about this one:
http://ohsheglows.com/2013/11/13/lentil-mushroom-walnut-balls-with-cranberry-pear-sauce/!
Dana says
Brittany if you haven’t tried T25 you should look into it! It’s only 25 minutes a day and it will kick your butt!! It’s perfect for those days you need to get in a workout but don’t have time to go to the gym or run outside because you’ve got 2 kids!! Just a suggestion!
Brittany Dixon says
I really should look into it. I’ve been doing (sporadically) online videos (yoga, blogilates, etc) and I really love having that option, but sometimes I feel like I need a different atmosphere or some sense of accountability to stay at it. I’ve heard amazing things about T25 though. Thanks for the suggestion!
Brynn says
My approach is pick your poison. I know I’m going to eat my mom’s cookies so I skip on things that are just ok like rolls. I also agree to give up the guilt!
Lynn Thow says
I really enjoy reading your blog. Do you still do healthy life coaching?
Brittany Dixon says
Thanks Lynn! I don’t actively health coach right now. I do miss it some days, but I just don’t have the time at this stage in life. Maybe again one day down the line!
Paulina says
I don’t have a big sweet tooth so I skip all the cookies and candy but when it comes to dips or good breads, I can loose self control. I try to eat slowly and remember that after the first few bites, the initial “OMG this is DELICIOUS” feeling wares off.
Heather says
I admit, I tend to overindulge a bit around the holidays, but don’t beat myself up over it. I know it only tends to happen once a year, so I eat those extra sweets and sometimes unhealthy foods. I don’t eat until bursting anymore, though. I eat normal portions and if anything try to make sure I add a few extra veggies and things to my meals for balance since there’s no point in eating/drinking extra goodies if I’m only going to feel like crap. π
Alex @ get big, go to work says
I tend to have the same mindset as well year round. I choose healthy foods most of the time and never put any foods off limit. That makes me less likely to go crazy at the holidays because I eat in moderation year around. Your seasonal salad are so colorful and look delicious. My tips for intuitive exercise at the holidays? Enjoy the social time with family and move when you can; even better if you can involve them. I love taking a walk together on Christmas morning and fun activities such as ice skating or sledding.
Christy @TheMuddyApron says
Intuitive eating is the only way to go. After 100+ diets, I’m only sane eating the IE way. I’m not super thin, but I’m not obsessing either. Great post.
C.
Beth says
I am just starting to embrace IE. Never want to go on a “diet” again. The holidays don’t consist of that many days that are actually that unusual for me. My main thing is just eat sloooowly. Take your time and focus on eating when you’re eating, and stop eating when you’re satisfied knowing you can eat more later.
Laura @FitMamaLove says
All those meals look so good! I eat similarly to you–eat the treats when I’m out or for special events, but otherwise stick to foods that fuel my body and make me feel good.
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
This is a great way of thinking, Brittany! I am definitely trying to be less hard on myself this holiday season and am trying to avoid food guilt. I know that 90% of the team I eat a VERY healthy diet. So eating some candy/desserts/heavier foods for a couple of days over the holidays isn’t going to make or break anything!
Lindsey says
Great post and view of this topic! I agree with you. While I like to indulge I follow the everything in moderation “rule”, one cookie vs four π Then when I am at home and can eat healthier I do! I do not kick myself about the extra indulging this month either and try to keep active, it all balances out π
JoAnn says
Perhaps my life goal is to reach a point where IE works….sounds like freedom.
Jane Preston says
Great post!!!
I think this year I will try to put a small taste of things that look really good to me on my plate, so I can get visual of how much I am eating and not go back for seconds.