How to Practice Mindful Holiday Eating
We’ve all been guilty of it. You know, that mindless holiday eating that results in an entire plate of holiday cookies disappearing over the course of a day? And don’t get us started on the spiced nuts and chocolate-covered pretzels. Yikes!
While it might seem like a daunting task to skip the snacks and eat in a healthy, mindful manner over the holidays — it can be done. And that’s a mistletoe promise. We’ve compiled a few tips on how to enjoy your favorite holiday indulgences without tipping the scales. Plus, we’re talking about the skin benefits of some of our favorite holiday swaps.
Now get those visions of sugar plums out of your head, and start getting mindful!
- Nourish Your Body with Healthy Meals: Three healthy base meals throughout the day will help you stave off those dreaded candy cravings. Start your day with a protein-rich breakfast (we are huge fans of eggs at A360), make sure to add some healthy greens into your lunch, and strive for a well-balanced dinner of protein and healthy fats. Plus, don’t forget those “good” carbs, like veggies, fruits and whole grains, to keep up your holiday energy.
DID YOU KNOW: The lutein in eggs provides hydration and elasticity for skin and the protein helps repair tissue and keep skin firm. Egg yolks, in particular, are loaded with fatty acids that add moisture to skin while egg whites include albumin, a simple protein that helps tighten pores and remove excess oil.
- Stay Hydrated: Carry a water bottle with you as you run errands, and enjoy other low-calorie drinks like hot tea and sparkling water throughout the day. If you feel a craving coming on, reach for a glass of water first — it might just do the trick to keep you feeling full. Or, try one of our favorite hunger-curbing sips: peppermint tea. So good, and festive! Click here to learn more about the benefits of water for your skin …
- Distract Your Senses: Involve all of your senses (not just taste) in your holiday celebration. Scented candles, a steaming mug of tea, cheerful holiday decor and even your favorite holiday movies and music will help give you a cup of cheer, minus the calories.
DID YOU KNOW: Speaking of peppermint tea, it is not only a great tea for digestion but the menthol in it helps to slow oil production the skin — which is helpful for anyone with oily or acne-prone skin. Plus, compounds like vitamins E and D in peppermint tea also increase cell turnover, which helps you to shed the outer layers of dead skin cells and get your glow on.
- Allow Treats to Be Treats: Cookies and candy should never be a meal replacement — but rather the icing on the cake of your meal. There’s nothing wrong with a little indulgence as long as it’s just that. Easier said than done?Try this trick: Keep baked goods and candy away from the areas of your home where you eat the most, like the kitchen, dining room or even living area. Each time you want a treat, make yourself work for it by walking to another area of your home and only bringing back one treat, like one cookie, at a time. Keeping treats out of your sensory range ensures you actually want to eat that treat, and you’re not mindlessly snacking.Tip: Fill up on these superfoods to stop that snacking!
Healthy eating during the holidays is a challenge for all of us. But the more you can live mindfully in the moments of your day, the more you will have control over your cravings. Moderation, as always, is key.
