December is For Balance
December is a time for most rooted in celebration, tradition, nostalgia, friends and family. THIS is what the time of year is all about and what I get most excited around. I also love the lights, the decorations, the music, that cozy feeling of sitting on my couch with my Christmas tree glowing--this year named Kingston--while I write this.
This time of year also comes with a lot of stress with respect to obligations, holiday prep and how to manage food when you're trying to build or maintain healthier habits. Starting with Thanksgiving, it's a topic that comes up with ALL my clients and one that deserves some attention.
You're stressed because despite the intention of wanting to eat better, you're tempted with holiday cookies and treats midday at work or on the counter, parties and dinners laced with good food and good wine, winter flavors at your favorite coffee shop you have to try. It's everywhere and you feel like you can't avoid it. I manage these feeling too and sometimes I give in to the temptation and sometimes I don't.
In the past, the "F it" attitude and approach was the usual but then once January 1 hits, people are feeling worse than before the holidays and even more overwhelmed at the thought of "starting over".
I know I harp on this point a lot but mindset surrounding food is a big part of the journey and one of the first things I work on with many clients. Around this time, I talk to people about giving themselves grace but also staying mindful around their choices and listening to what their bodies are telling them.
Sometimes just pausing before you grab that cookie or treat can be the difference:
Why am I picking this up?
Am I hungry or just bored or stressed?
Is there a better option I can choose that will make me feel better afterwards?
Sometimes the answer will be to just pick up the cookie and eat it to satisfy that short-term need. BUT, you may find that having that quick inner dialogue can actually lead you on a different path towards the better choice. Listening to your body's cues before and after food can also help drive your decision. If you're tired or bloated after you have something you deemed as worth it, you may choose differently next time!
December is about balance: enjoying the season for all it has to offer, enjoying the time, and feeling good mentally and physically.
Finding what that balance is for you is key:
Is it moving a little daily or keeping up with your workouts?
Is it getting some bits of quiet time away from the noise?
Is it striving to have cleaner meals during the day to enjoy the holiday party or dinner that night?
You decide!
Kingston 2023