Relax About Food This Holiday Season!
Each of us has had that moment during the holidays. You know the one: “How many calories were in that cookie? How many cups of cocoa have I had? Have I had too many calories?”
Let me put your mind at ease: It’s okay to relax about food this holiday season. The stress caused from worrying about putting that cookie into your mouth will do more harm then that cookie itself.
Now, I’m not saying you should just indulge over and over again until Christmas yet to come. That’s not good for your body or your spirit. I’m saying that you don’t have to worry about nearly as much as you think. Here’s why:
Food isn’t what matters most.
Again, I’m not saying that you shouldn’t care for your body and your health. But let’s face it: counting calories is no fun at all.
This seems like an obvious fact, but it’s actually really important. If you’re too worried about food to really enjoy time with your friends and family, then you’re missing the entire point of enjoying food around the holidays.
You’re out of the moment, and not enjoying that time with your family. When you look back on this time, what would you rather have been thinking about?
Holding yourself back can distort your hunger.
It’s always the worst when you’re dieting and have sudden spells of hunger. It feels like your whole body is just dying for just something. It’s such a bad feeling, not just because it’s uncomfortable but because your hunger detectors are being distorted.
When you decide to count calories every day, you’re ignoring your body’s hunger detection system.
You’re choosing to measure how much food you eat by numbers, not gut feelings. Have you ever eaten something you didn’t feel hungry for just so you could get in Snack #2 for the day? Exactly.
All in all, you’re much better off going by your own hunger and physical needs than in cutting any calories. Cut out the distractions and just listen!
It’s about the quality of the calories, not the quantity.
Which sounds healthier: A big piece of reduced fat chocolate cake or a loaded-up Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Cupcake?
At first glance, the cake sounds like it would be a lot healthier. Fewer calories are better for your body, right?
But the answer would actually be the cupcake! When it comes to satisfying your body, it’s actually more satisfying to have calories from a food made with real food ingredients.
And Remember…Fat is Okay and Most Likely Keep You From Going Back For Seconds!
Don’t be afraid of quality fats, like real butter, coconut oil and olive oil.
It’s much more satisfying from a nutritional point of view to eat fat, far better than anything low-fat. Fat fills you up, keeps you fuller longer.
You’ll definitely be less likely to go back for seconds if the first round of food was made from something made with real food, quality fats and real nutrients.
Happy Holidays To You & Your Family!
So this holiday season, try aiming for food made with real ingredients, not necessarily food with low calories. If your body’s craving a cookie, pick out one made with real food and just enjoy it!
Enjoy your holiday, and focus your attention on your family, friends and the big picture.
Happy Holidays to You and Your Family! ❤
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