Football tailgating, holiday parties, trick-or treating, fall festivals, dessert tables, and holiday meals. You name it. There are a lot of opportunities to practice mindful and intuitive eating during the holidays from October until Valentine's day. Here are some tips to help.
- Incorporate holiday flavors into your meals, including: pumpkin, butternut squash, acorn squash, cranberries, pomegranates, nuts or pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin spice, peppermint, rosemary
- Prevent going to a gathering hungry
- Avoid skipping a meal or long gaps before the party
- Acknowledge hunger through the day
- Choose meals with substantial protein
- Buy Halloween candy the day before Halloween
- Donate abundant leftovers to your church, spouse's work, or child's school
- Clean up food after everyone eats vs. an on going buffet
- If you are hosting, have to-go containers ready for guest to pack and take.
- Plan non-food focus fall activities.
- Nature walks to collect acorns, colorful leaves, or pinecones to fill a decorative tray or to use for crafting
- Rake and play in leaves
- Choose Halloween or a holiday playlist during your workouts
- Remember self-care during the holidays
- Take time to unwind, relax, and pamper yourself