By now you’ve heard the phrase “tis the season” at least a dozen times. “Tis the season” for this and that, and food pushing, and diet gimmicks, and overeating, and saying yes when you want to say no, and so on. Why is it that we sometimes allow “tis the season” to mean a “get out of jail free card” or simply losing our minds? We allow this season to be an excuse for actions like overspending, overeating (a lot) and over committing. We simply ignore the consequences until “tis the season” no longer.
Let’s break it down.
MISTAKE: Overspending is something I’ve been guilty of at times. I love to give gifts and wrap them beautifully. It’s such a pleasure to see someone open and really like a gift, until I get my bank statement.
FIX: Set a limit for a total gift budget and a budget for each person on your gift list. Don’t feel like you need to give a gift when you get one. If the giver is like me, I just like to give and don’t expect anything in return (unless it’s the hubs, he better wrap something up). Make homemade gifts like infused oils, soaps, or freezer meals to cut cost while increasing your gift thoughtfulness value :). Lastly, discuss budgets with friends and family. It can help when others take a more creative and cost-effective approach with you.
MISTAKE: Overeating because this is the only time of year I can get this food. It’s like someone locked turkey, dressing, and cranberries in a vault somewhere until this one day. It’s absurd but hey, “tis the season.”
FIX: Unlock the vault and pull out your favorite foods for a preview a couple of weeks BEFORE the holiday. I think this is such a smart strategy that YourSupperSolution.com members have a preview dinner planned this week. This allows time to test recipes and mindfully enjoy those foods without the hustle, bustle and other distractors. When it’s time to have that Turkey Day meal, you won’t be the one stuffed. Give it a try for other holiday meals as well. You may be surprised how “Thanksgiving full” you’re not.
MISTAKE: Overcommitting is also part of our “tis the season” insanity. The holidays can be a great time to catch up with friends and family but we can let our social calendar derail our self-care (fitness, sleep, meals, & meal planning) time by overcommitting.
FIX: Plan your schedule once a week and start with activities that make YOU feel well. Protect your self-care time (even if it’s just a walk – alone), plan your meals ahead of time, and say no to parties you don’t want to attend. When we’re overcommitted, we tend not to think about getting enough sleep, water, balanced meals and exercise. Getting too far out of our routine can lead to fatigue, poor hydration, overeating, and January regret. So plan now for protecting your self-care time. If you feel well, chances are everyone around will have a happier holiday too!
Remember, it’s not about a diet. It’s about a plan! How will you prevent these holiday mistakes this season? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.
Born to Eat® 