The holidays bring so much joy—family, friends, traditions, laughter… and of course, incredible food. Tables filled with dishes we wait all year for. And while food is meant to be enjoyed, this season can quietly turn enjoyment into excess and unwanted pounds if we’re not paying attention.
There are countless philosophies around eating—vegetarian, vegan, keto, paleo, Mediterranean, and on and on. Each has its champions and its science. Let’s skip that debate. What matters most right now is what we all can do, no matter how we choose to eat.
Start by paying attention. Especially to why you’re eating. Notice moments of obsessive or emotional eating—those times when food is asked to fill a hole that isn’t really hunger. Stress, fatigue, fear, or loneliness can sneak onto our plates if we’re not mindful.
Slow things down. Sit when you eat. Take a moment to be grateful for the food in front of you and the people around you. Eat slowly. Chew slowly, savoring each bite. Try being the last one to finish. There is no rush.
Be intentional with your plate. Choose foods that nourish you. Notice when you’re hungry. Honor when you are full. Eat intuitively, it’s about listening to your body. Be extra careful around dessert time. It’s up to you whether to partake.
Food is sustenance. It’s medicine for our bodies, for our minds and for our souls. And it’s also one of life’s great pleasures. Some of our best conversations, memories, and laughs happen around a table. That matters and should be cherished.
So, enjoy the holidays. Taste the food. Use a little awareness. And if you overdo it one day? Be easy on yourself. No self-hate. No negative self-talk. Just reset and keep going.
Happy Holidays, everyone. Let’s step into the new year healthy, happy, and prosperous with a few better habits than we had before.
