Tis' The Most Gluttonous Season of the Year
Tis’ the most gluttonous season of the year. We all are guilty of it and a lot of people are waking up to this realization ready to make some changes in the midst of holiday parties, feasts of food, and treats galore. Over indulgence doesn’t have to be the default during these last few months of the year. Here are a few small, but really impactful tips that might help you battle the holiday food woes.
Before you reach for one bite, drink water. Your body is crying out, fill me with water. Not only is it physically important, it can help us mentally and emotionally. Without water we walk around with brain fog in a grumpy mood, which is detrimental to the joy-filled desire of this season. So just keep chugging, just keep chugging….water that is.
If your desert table looks like a Betty Crocker bake sale, you aren’t alone. The dessert spread at our holiday events gets bigger and bigger every year. Choose your absolute favorite one and treat yourself with a big piece. Maybe you’re like me and your heart literally cannot decide because there are 3 or 4 of them calling your taste buds’ names, then make a small bite sized portion of each to enjoy.
Bring your own veggie filled side. This season is filled with awesome vegetables like winter squash, sweet potato, brussels sprouts, or cauliflower. If you aren’t sure how to cook brussels sprouts, Pinterest is your new best friend! You might be surprised at how well others respond to it, and if your Uncle Stu throws a fit about all these darn veggies, send him my way ; )
Decrease the portions. Repeat after me, I don’t have to cook a five-day feast. There are countless recipes and Food Network episodes devoted to repurposing your holiday leftovers. Scale back, your over worked dishwasher and oven will thank you.
Get the whole family involved in a physical activity, so lounging doesn’t become an excuse in our boredom to reach for more leftovers. Throw the football, play a pick-up game of basketball, dust off the game of Twister in your closet, or take a family walk around the neighborhood. Just do something!
Most importantly, remember why we love the holidays so much. It’s not the mounds of food, but the memories made with loved ones that make this the most magical time of the year.
