Balancing Indulgence Without Guilt This Christmas
Christmas is often presented as the season of indulgence - where we either eat in excess before the January crackdown, or where we restrict ourselves for fear of guilt.
The truth is that good, healthy habits aren’t lost over a short period like Christmas, nor are they formed quickly in the new year - it takes time and commitment…
Let’s consider what healthy really means…
Being healthy is not defined by one meal or one period of time, it’ about making conscious, balanced choices over a sustained period.
Often at Christmas we eat whatever is put in front of us as we plan to ‘be healthy’ in the new year, but if we think about making healthier choices all year round, the urge to eat anything rather than what we really enjoy will be less.
Give yourself permission
Often the worst periods of ‘binging’ are when we are told we cannot have something. Hence why people often fall fo the wagojn in January when they agce deprived themselves o all treats.
Giving yourself permission to relax and enjoy Christmas can actually help to balance the guilt of indulgence more - we are less likely to eat excessively because we are allowing ourselves to let go a little, we think more about what we choose to eat and we naturally stop when we’ve had enough rather than overdoing it.
Avoid the ‘I’ll make up for it in January’ mentality
So often we tell ourselves - I’ll make up for it. This mentality reinforces guilt as we feel the need to punish ourselves for indulging. Instead, return to normal routines pre January, eat healthy meals that nourish the body and exercise in a way that feels good for the body.
The bottom line is that we al deserve to indulge at Christmas and by letting ourselves do that, we can avoid all the guilt that comes with the enjoyment of food.
Giving yourself permission to enjoy Christmas can help balance the excessive eating and drinking and help you to enjoy the festivities more!
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