“Tis the Season” Mistakes (& how to fix them)

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.

Two Tips to Avoid Being the Stuffed Turkey

It was such a busy day. We’re all busy aren’t we? I had every intention of writing this post for you but I thought it may be faster just to invite you into my home office and chat with you via video. Enjoy this quick and heavily-produced video (ha ha)!

Would you like me to answer nutrition and lifestyle questions for you via video? Feel free to submit in the comments.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Lighten-Up Your #Holiday Recipe: I Think NOT! #health #mindfulness

Excited about eating your favorite holiday dishes? Worried about holiday pounds creeping up on you with decadent dishes all around? DON’T BE! The holiday season should be enjoyed, not short-changed. Making it through with enjoyment and satisfication is about paying attention! You have waited all year long to indulge in some of your favorite dishes.  Don’t add guilt to the ingredient list and ruin the experience before it even hits your plate! Don’t substitute fat-free milk for heavy cream, apple sauce for oil, or a disguisting prepackaged, fiber-laden brownie for the the delicious chocolate torte. Make  and eat the REAL thing! I doubt it’s the the lightened-up version you’ve been thinking about anyway.  Make it how you’ve always had it – just be mindful of a few things…

• Moderation is KEY: Eat what you want. THE REAL THING! Just be mindful of how much you are taking in. Eat slowly to a point of satisfaction versus uncomfortably full. (As Leslie’s Motto says Eat Real Food, Feel Real Good)
  

  I'm making this Turkey Recipe

• Have a Moment: You may allow that favorite dish but not really experience it. If you’re adding guilt to the plate or not paying attention, you’ll miss the savor. If you don’t savor and pay attention, you may need a second helping.  So, when eating your holiday dessert or side, have a moment to enjoy it (it’s ok to block everyone out–I do)! If you’re full after the meal, wait on dessert for a snack later or take it with you.
• Stay Active: Exercising gives your metabolism a boost, may help with hunger cues,  and can make you feel more energized! It does not have to be a long work-out, just fit it in where you can.
• Don’t Overlook Hydration: Colder weather can be tricky. You may not feel thirsty, but that does not mean that you are not. Staying well-hydrated can keep your hunger cues in check and may help prevent you from over-indulging. Staying well-hydrated maeans carrying water with you at all times.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We’d love to know your favorite holiday dish that you plan to enjoy just the way it was meant to be–with REAL ingredients. Leslie’s favorite is dressing made with sausage, butter, herbs and bread cubes–it’s screams Thanksgiving!

Special thanks to Heather Johnson, a University of Memphis graduate student & dietetic intern for this post!