Braving the Holidays or How to eat normally

With the holidays quickly approaching I know everyone's getting nervous thinking about all  goodies that are always so tempting during these special times. We all know that staying healthy is something you must take on for the rest of your life versus dieting which can be easier short term but harder long term on your health and on your mind.I recently read an inspiring quote that i'd like to share, this quote reflects what normal eating is and should be.  It's something important to remember before you start worrying about what you'll be eating during the holidays

"Normal eating is going to the table hungry and eating until you are satisfied. It is being able to choose food you like and eat it and truly get enough of it—not just stop eating because you think you should. Normal eating is being able to give some thought to your food selection so you get nutritious food, but not being so wary and restrictive that you miss out on enjoyable food. Normal eating is giving yourself permission to eat sometimes because you are happy, sad or bored, or just because it feels good. Normal eating is mostly three meals a day, or four or five, or it can be choosing to munch along the way. It is leaving some cookies on the plate because you know you can have some again tomorrow, or it is eating more now because they taste so wonderful. Normal eating is overeating at times, feeling stuffed and uncomfortable. And it can be undereating at times and wishing you had more. Normal eating is trusting your body to make up for your mistakes in eating. Normal eating takes up some of your time and attention, but keeps its place as only one important area of your life.

In short, normal eating is flexible. It varies in response to your hunger, your schedule, your proximity to food and your feelings."

Being at a healthy and good weight is composed of so many factors, far too many to be ruined by one or two or even a few holiday meals. Health is all about lifestyle and if you don't want to be feel bad during thanksgiving this year then be sure you get in a good serving of veggies or fruit in your meal(keep your plate colorful) but don't hold back when it comes to everything else, food shouldn't be guilt ridden it should be full of love,flavors, memories and happiness. So please do yourself the favor and indulge in food with your loved ones  this holiday season and if you still have a hard time doing it remember all the time, preparation and love that goes into holiday meals and realize that a healthy lifestyle isn't about eating perfectly all the time. Be mindful, relax and enjoy yourself!

Cheers to Health and Moderation
Trish