Written by: Jasmine Kelly-Stephens, Senior Level Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration. From the sweet delights of October to the grand feasts of Thanksgiving culminating in the grandeur of Christmas. It’s a season that beckons us to revel in the abundance of life's blessings. Yet, amid this merriment, overeating and emotional eating can pose challenges that impact our physical and emotional well-being.
Indulging in one or two festive meals during the holiday season is unlikely to result in permanent weight gain. That’s because our bodies possess the remarkable ability to absorb these occasional indulgences without long-term consequences. However, it's essential to strike a balance by ensuring that these indulgences remain sporadic, preventing them from becoming part of an extended pattern of overindulgence.
Maintaining a sense of grace during the holiday season while savoring the festivities is a delicate art that combines mindful planning, moderation, and a profound sense of self-compassion.
Let's explore some strategies to help you get through the holidays without overindulging and resorting to emotional eating.
Embrace Realistic Expectations: One of the first steps to a healthier holiday season is to set realistic expectations. Understand that it's okay to enjoy your favorite holiday treats, but also know that moderation is key. Set achievable goals for yourself and focus on maintaining your well-being rather than aiming for perfection.
Plan Ahead: Planning is your ally during the holidays. Decide in advance what you'll eat and how much. This thoughtful preparation can help you avoid impulsive overindulgence. Prepare a balanced meal plan for holiday gatherings, and consider starting with a small, nutritious snack to thoughtfully curb your appetite.
Stay Hydrated: Care for your body by drinking plenty of water throughout the day…sometimes, your body mistakes thirst for hunger. This can help you manage your appetite and ensure your body remains well-hydrated. Sip on water throughout your festivities as an act of self-compassion, recognizing the importance of hydration in supporting your well-being and ensuring you’re in tune with your true needs, which reduces the chances of overeating.
Practice Mindful Eating: Embrace the art of mindful eating, which involves paying full attention to your food and savoring each bite with appreciation. Avoid eating in front of the TV or while distracted. Chew your food slowly and savor the flavors, all while treating yourself with kindness. This approach helps you feel satisfied with smaller portions.
Discover Healthy Choices: When possible, opt for healthier dishes that feature an abundance of vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Treat yourself with love and care as you make these choices, knowing that they nourish your body and spirit. Enjoy smaller portions of indulgent dishes without self-criticism, as you continue to prioritize your well-being. Many traditional recipes can be adapted to be lower in calories and fat. For example, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or choose baked over fried appetizers.
Engage in Physical Activity: Continue to prioritize physical activity into your holiday routine as an expression of gratitude for your healthy, capable body. Engaging in physical activity uplifts your emotional state and supports your overall well-being, fostering a sense of appreciation for your body’s abilities. It also helps you manage stress, uplift your mood, and gently burn off extra calories.
Engage in Stress Management: The holiday season is often accompanied by a whirlwind of emotions. Stress, sadness, and anxiety may become your companions during this time. In such moments, extending self-compassion is not only essential but a tremendous act of kindness toward yourself. Incorporate stress management techniques into your daily routine, such as biblical meditation and or deep breathing. Cultivate inner peace with a serene presence as your steadfast companion.
Seek Support: Don't hesitate to reach out to friends and family for support and do so with warmth. Share your intentions to eat mindfully and stay healthy during the holidays, knowing you're not alone. You can even find a buddy to help each other stay on track.
Forgive Yourself: If you have a day when you slip up and overindulge, be gentle with yourself. Understand that one day of overindulgence doesn't define your overall health. Acknowledge it, learn from it, and move forward with a kind heart. The holidays are about enjoyment and togetherness, not self-punishment or self-criticism. Recognize that perfection is not the aim, progress is. Your self-compassion becomes your most steadfast companion on this journey, reassuring you that each step you take is a step toward your well-being.
Rather than turning to food as a source of comfort, explore activities that bring you joy, connect with loved ones who nurture your emotional well-being, and consider seeking support. By approaching your emotions with kindness, acknowledging them, embracing them, and treating yourself with understanding, you pave the way for a season of emotional wellness.
By incorporating these tips and strategies into your holiday routine, you can savor the festivities with elegance, maintain your well-being, and avoid the pitfalls of overindulgence. I'm here to support you on this journey, providing guidance, encouragement, and a compassionate ear as you navigate the holiday season with a sense of well-being and joy.
Jasmine Kelly-Stephens, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Jasmine, a remarkable Holistic Health and Wellness Coach, embraces numerous roles, from being a devoted mother and wife to taking on leadership positions in her church ministries. Additionally, she's achieved remarkable success, co-authoring two Amazon 1 Best-Selling books, and becoming a 1 International best-seller.
Jasmine's journey is deeply personal, characterized by a struggle that has spanned several decades with emotional eating, overeating, and stress eating. This unique history ignites her profound passion to combat the emotional eating crisis and guide women toward healing, restoration, and liberation. Her central mission is to empower women to break free from the burdens of shame and guilt tied to emotional eating. Through this transformation, they can mend their relationship with food and their bodies, subsequently regaining the energy, freedom, and confidence required to fulfill their divine callings in the Kingdom.
Jasmine firmly believes that as women experience healing, its positive ripples extend outward, fostering healthier relationships within their families and communities, ultimately facilitating a transformative impact for all.
She offers private coaching to Christian women entrepreneurs but is also passionate about spreading this transformation to anyone willing to listen.
