How To Enjoy Holiday Treats Without The Guilt
It happens every year … the holidays come and they bring some delicious treats. You tell yourself that you will “only eat one”, and then you get that first taste, and then you can’t stop … sound familiar?
It is not uncommon to get to holiday time and feel like you have no self control around treats. Here is the thing … living life means having the treats! The trick is learning how to incorporate the treats so you can enjoy them guilt free!
Here are my top tips to enjoy holiday treats without the guilt!
My first tips seems simple enough, but it is to drink enough water. Why does water matter? Dehydration is often mistaken for sugar cravings and hunger pangs. A lack of water can make it more difficult for the body to metabolize glycogen (stored glucose) for energy, so our bodies crave sugar to provide us with a quick source of energy when we actually just need to drink a little more water. Not sure you believe this? Give it a try before you down your next sugar cookie! Drink an entire glass of water first and see what happens!
My second tip is to plan ahead. If you know that you will be in a situation where there will be a lot of sugary treats around, be sure that you eat some protein, fats, and healthy carbs, along with plenty of water before you start enjoying those treats. You are much more likely to fully enjoy those treats (without the guilt!) if you are are not ravenous when you see them!
Pick your favorites! Take a look at what treats are available to you. Pick your top choices and then enjoy those guilt free! There is NO reason to load your plate up with treats that you are not totally in love with! Let’s say for example that you know that you LOVE fudge … that is what you want to eat during the holiday season. Take a piece or two and really slow down and enjoy that! Don’t be in a hurry to scarf it down so that you can get to the next piece. Take small bites and really enjoy the taste. Take your time! This is part of enjoying the holidays!
Just say no … just politely decline any treats to “take home” if you know that having those treats (that you may not even really love!) at your home. If that is a trigger for you, and you can’t say no, kindly pass them on to a friend or neighbor that might enjoy them.
Take the time. The holiday season is so incredibly special, and we all have so many memories tied to holiday treats. It truly wouldn’t be the holidays without them! Make an event of eating the holiday treats … make your favorite cup of tea or coffee, light a candle, sit by the Christmas tree, light the fire … these are all ways that you can enjoy those treats in a mindful way.
The holidays should not be stress inducing events when it comes to treats! Treats are an important part of our holiday experience. The key is to be mindful of them and really make them part your holiday experience. The holidays are but a few days per year, and they should be enjoyed guilt free!
So let me know , what is your favorite holiday treat?
Be safe, & be well!
XO,
Stephanie