….don’t. That’s right this health coach is telling you NOT to diet during the holidays. Really, I believe you should never diet. I spent my entire life dieting and restricting and it led to a very unhealthy relationship with food.
I am going to be bold and tell you that you don’t gain weight by enjoying 3 helpings of your favorite Thanksgiving meal, but instead, you gain weight by NOT enjoying the meal. Why? Because when you don’t enjoy the food, especially if you feel like it’s a ‘cheat’, I hate the word too BTW, then you will feel guilty and eat more. It’s this spiral of feelings and poor relationship with food that is the problem NOT the food itself.
Let me say it say it louder for the people in the back, do not diet during the holidays. Do not even think about it. Make sure you are enjoying your celebrations and also your food. The only feelings you should have during celebrations should be good ones.
So what should you do?
- I believe you should stay active, not just during the holidays but all the time. You will feel better plus you will be hungry and enjoy your food. These do not have to be crazy workouts or mean going to the gym, but just going for a walk with the family or dancing around the room. Just make sure that you move. Don’t know where to start? You can try 2 weeks of free workouts and see how you do!
- Choose your favorite treats (not cheats). Don’t eat a bunch of food you don’t even like just because it’s there. Enjoy food that you actually like, that will help you enjoy it more.
- Remember why are you celebrating. Whatever the holiday is, keep that in your heart and you will be able to relax and have fun with it.
Food is not the enemy. There are no ‘fat burning’ foods and no ‘weight gaining’ foods. So whatever you choose to eat, enjoy it.
