I was recently reminded that my stomach does not like dairy. And by doesn’t like, I mean it utterly detests the various products that come from the utter of a cow. But it’s the holiday season- So, how do you enjoy the season without it being at the expense of your stomach and health?
The Christmas season marks a time in our life where cookies, fudge, chocolates, and various other confectionery foods hold a spot on our grocery lists and on our counters. Great joy can be created when we spend time with family baking. So, where does the line between living and being happy, and also being healthy land? Do we only eat healthy foods? Do we also eat cookies and cake? Do we have the same diet this month as in all other months, or can we deviate due to the holiday season?
I certainly don’t have all the answers (considering my stomach and I are still agruing on what gets put into it), but here’s what I’ve found over the years.
In my youth- the house was a place for foods ranging from alive (fruits and vegetables) to dead (pre-packaged goodies). Ours was a traditional America diet. Well maybe more fruits and veggies and less McDonalds.
Today- fruits and vegetables are the basis for our meals. Dairy has been limited to butter, gluten has been limited to whatever I bring into the house, meat has been limited to free range, no antibiotics, and the refined sugar has a hard time getting in through the doors (though it does make it into the windows.) See how I didn’t even mention preservatives.
Over the years what my family has considered, “healthy” has shifted greatly. There have been times where we felt we couldn’t eat anything and there have been times when the old foods just don’t appeal anymore. Within those times- there has come the question of where the line between the healthy new, and the nostalgic old comes into play.
Through what I have experienced and what those close to me have- I have a few tips and tricks to help you not only making it through the holiday season but also enjoy yourself.
Tips & Tricks to Christmas and healthy:
Listen.
The one person who knows your body the best is- you. I can give tips and tricks, but you are the one who knows which foods are going to cause an argument with your stomach. During this holiday season and down the road- listen to what your body is telling you. Your body will tell you when you are well or ill- when the food is good or deadly.
Test yourself.
There are times when we cut foods from our diet. When we make these changes, it can be unclear how toxic it is reintroducing these foods into our diet. When you encounter these foods and want to try and reintroduce these foods- start small. Take a few bites or have a small plate. Then see how you respond. This small test can help you avoid any stomach arguments. Instead you just might get a stomach grumble.
Breaks.
Following your stomach test- give yourself a break before trying to eat another serving. Sometimes there can be a delayed reaction from certain foods you eat, because we digest foods at different speeds. I also recommend giving yourself breaks when you are successful eating foods you are no-longer used to. A small serving might be just fine. But a small serving everyday- might kick a grumble into an argument.
Shopping list control.
During a time when the stores and even the office tantalizes your senses with cookies and other sugary goodies- saying “no” can be difficult. One way you can help support yourself and your decision to stick to your diet is to stick to your list. When going grocery shopping, only pick up the things on your list. If it’s not on the list- it’s not welcome in your cart, in your house, or in your stomach. You’ll remove all kinds of temptation if you don’t even bring that food into your house. Another great trick is to eat before shopping- it’s easier to say, “no thank you,” when you aren’t hungry.
Demonstrate self-love.
Whether you are at a company party or a family get-together, choose to demonstrate self-love. Choosing to eat in a way that supports your stomach can be easy when you are in charge of the types of foods in your kitchen, but it can be harder when it’s not your kitchen. In that case there are a few tricks you can do.
One, you can eat a little before going then you have less room in your stomach, so you can fill your plate with foods that are good for you and leave the ones that aren’t. Two- ask for help. You can ask your family to help support you in your choice to eat healthy. Three- contraband. It might not be your kitchen or your house, but you can bring goodies of your own kind. If you need to eat gluten free to be healthy, stash a few gluten free cookies in a bag, in your pocket. Then you can still indulge your sweet tooth without introducing gluten into your system.
Set reasonable goals.
With an entire table filled with temptations set goals that you are going to be able to reach. This is another way we demonstrate self-love. If you know that you won’t make it through the dinner/party without trying one or two of the temptations- then maybe setting a goal that you only try one or two is reasonable. Rather then setting yourself up to fail, set goals that will leave you feeling proud at the end of the evening.
Demonstrate self-compassion & forgiveness.
Over the years I have been different levels of successful. Sometimes- I have no interest in the foods being offered and I enjoy the evening having never touched the foods toxic to my body. Then there have been other holidays and evenings where I not only touch but eat foods that I know are toxic. Rather then resort to shame and guilt- demonstrate self-compassion and forgiveness. We are human beings. By definition that means we will make mistakes as we grow. When we make mistakes, we forgive ourselves, then we set a new reasonable goal and try again. It only needs to be a moment filled with self-hate if you want it to be.
Practice.
Changing our views on diet, changing our lifestyle, is a dynamic and ever evolving experience. This means that we practice. One of the reasons we practice is to demonstrate self-love to ourselves. Another reason is so that we fill as many moments in our life with happiness and reduce the negativity and drama from our life.
I don’t have a simple answer to where the line is between enjoying the day we have and the life we wish to have. Healthy and happy can come together. So, practice with me as we get into the full swing of the holiday season.
Your Daily Dose of Christmas:
Christmas Song: Hooray For Christmas by, Janet Siedel
Christmas Movie: The Nightmare Before Christmas
- Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wr6N_hZyBCk
Daily Affirmation:
- “I am supported and loved by myself and others as I stick to healthy changes.”