3 Tips for Fueling and Feeling Well This Holiday
NUTRITION COACHING FROM YOUR REGISTERED DIETITIAN NUTRITIONIST HERE IN BOSTON’S BACK BAY
We’re in the thick of the holiday season and not quite done with reasons to eat, drink, and be merry. It can become stressful to navigate food-focused gatherings, especially as an athlete or active adult who’s committed to health and performance goals. But worrying about what to eat instead of enjoying time with loved ones is not what the holidays are about!
Here are 3 tips to stay true to yourself while enjoying the festivities of the season:
Be Mindful
If you’ve worked with me, you know we don’t do diets - we fuel with both intention and intuition. Why? Because mindfulness is key when it comes to reaching goals and enjoying your life. Around food, a moment of awareness goes a long way. This holiday, ask yourself:
“How hungry am I?”
“What am I in the mood for?”
“Is there anything I can include to help me feel my best?”
This may lead you to a single portion, a drink of water, or the realization that you want mom’s cookies above all other desserts.
Build a Plate
After checking in with yourself, portioning your plate will keep you from feeling overly stuffed and on the edge of a sugar crash. No need to restrict! And, since you’re not on a diet and holiday foods are always available to you, you don’t need to approach dinner as the last supper. (Besides, leftovers are the best part.)
Build your plate to include protein (for satisfaction), carbohydrates (for energy), and colors - fruits and vegetables - (for nutrients and fiber). The combination will keep your happiness high, your blood sugar stable, and your bathroom patterns regular.
Rest, Don’t Stress
Stressing about being out of your usual routine can do more harm than the change itself. The brain and the gut are connected, remember? So that stress can manifest in physical and digestive symptoms. Channel that energy and use any extra time on your hands for sleep, meaningful movement, and mental health practices. Check out Tim’s mindful walking audio to start!
Looking for more support heading into the holiday season? Book your nutrition session here, or leave your information below to hear when my nutrition workshop, No Diet New Year, launches in early 2022. Happy holidays, everyone!
