We are excited to share this special guest post from Rebecca the Dietitian! We recognize how much the way you fuel your body influences your exercise results, and are excited to be able to bring you Rebecca’s sound eating advice to help you optimize your health, enjoy eating and get the most out of your workouts. We hope you will check out her post below and look forward to learning more from her. You can learn more about Rebecca, her philosophy and her services on her website, RebeccatheDietitian.com.
Hi! I’m Rebecca, a registered dietitian, and I help women learn to balance their hormones to achieve their best weight while enjoying delicious food. My own struggles with weight loss and dieting have inspired me to help my fellow females learn the truths and misconceptions about cravings, self-care, food, and how to optimize hormone levels so that they can lose weight for good while living their best lives.
Have you had the urge to indulge a bit extra this holiday season? We want you to know that you’re not alone.
This year has been exceptionally challenging for most of us and sometimes these emotions can feel amplified during the holidays. Maybe you’re feeling isolated and missing some of the events and get-togethers that you usually enjoy this time of year. Or, maybe you’re feeling a bit too much togetherness trapped inside with your family.
Regardless of the stresses of the season, it can feel very tempting to eat or drink extra to help you cope. And we totally understand and support you in enjoying these fun indulgences when you reeeeaaally want them. But, if you don’t want to get sucked into the emotional eating holiday trap only to have to “start again” with your healthy routine in January, here are our top 3 tips to enjoy a healthier holiday season:
1) Eat mindfully.
Indulging in decadent food can be a fabulous part of the fun of the season. But gorging in mediocre food until you feel sick, bloated, and tired isn’t as lovely. When you come across a less-healthy option, consider whether or not you really want it. Is it your favorite? Do you want it right now, or maybe later? How much of it would make you happy? Do you want to share it with someone else who might enjoy it? Do you know someone who might enjoy it more than you would, and if so, how would it feel to give it away? If you decide you really want it, then enjoy every bit of it. Eat it slowly so you can really feel the texture and taste the nuances in the flavor. And when you’re finished, move on back to your healthy routine with no remorse (guilt never helps).
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2) Practice gratitude.
Hopefully you can find something to be grateful for each day. Starting your day with a practice of noticing what you can be grateful for and finishing your day thinking about the things that went well can go a long way when it comes to helping us find our joy when life gets challenging.
RELATED: Top 10 Quotes on Gratitude and Giving Thanks
3) Schedule time for self-care.
This can be a busy time of year, so be sure you schedule in some time to do things that make you happy. Could you use some alone-time to take a bath, read, or watch Hallmark movies? Do you always feel recharged after a walk outside? Would you be sad if you missed out on a drive around town to see the decorations? Be sure to make time for the things you love the most. You take such great care of everyone else – make sure you get some self-care too!
RELATED: 3 Positive Body Image Exercises to Try Today
We hope this keeps you make the most of your healthy, happy holiday season. We can’t wait to celebrate the new year with you!
How do you stay healthy and happy during the holidays? Please share with us in the comments below.
Dear Jessica, I live in Montreal , Quebec Canada.
I found your videos in 2010 and have been using them ever since. I bought your 6 week total transformation system a little over a year ago and love them. I do a few other workouts on the internet as well as cycle, snowshoe, kayak, dance and walk. I am 60 years old and feel as though moving is the secret to feeling good. Thank you so much! P.S. my husband does some of your workouts and loves them as well.
Hi Holly! Big thanks to you both for moving with us all the way from Canada! Please keep up the great work you are doing taking care of your body and your health. We’re so glad you are here and look forward to moving with you again soon 🙂
This year I am trying not to stress out about how much I have yet to do. The house doesn’t need to be spotless. Christmas dinner will be good, even though I am not the greatest of cooks. We are not having guests this year, so everything doesn’t have to be perfect. I am taking time for me each day. I go for a walk and/or exercise with Jessica each day. I lost 70 lbs. two years ago, and I am determined not to put it back on, especially over the holidays. I love working out with Jessica! I bought my daughter a few of her dvd’s for her birthday, and now she’s working out with Jessica, too. Have a wonderful holiday season everyone and please stay safe.
That sounds like a wonderful plan Cathy. Isn’t it amazing how much pressure we can put on ourselves during such a joyous time of year? I’m so happy to hear you are taking time for you each day – I can’t think of a better way to make sure you are staying healthy and energized so that you can continue to give to those you love. Thank you so much for sharing this and for moving with us! Please keep up the great work you are doing taking great care of your body and your health. From our family to yours, we wish you a very healthy, happy holiday season! <3
I love this so much!
A mindful approach (rather than forceful/strict diet rules) has helped me so much over the last year. I’m actually making progress now! 40 lbs down and I exercise with Jessica every day. I don’t even really care about the weight anymore-i love how much noticably stronger I feel! With PT and Jessica, I have relieved the back pain I’ve been having for the last year, and I’m so grateful for every day I can get up and workout towards a stronger back and core. I actually feel strong in my everyday activities and I am so so happy!
Thank you for your mindful/intuitive articles, it’s so important to take care of ourselves instead of beating ourselves up. I can’t thank you guys enough!!
Congrats to you on all of your hard work and accomplishments Brit! Thank you so much for moving with us and for being a valued member of our community, we’re so glad you are here 🙂 Please keep up the amazing work you are doing taking care of your body and your health.
I MUST LOSE 25 pounds
Hi Lois! I hope we can help you find a way to reach your goal while taking great care of your body and your health at the same time.