Thanksgiving Feast! How Should We Eat During the Holidays?
Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with loved ones, and engage in meaningful conversation around a table while enjoying delicious food. However, some struggle with guilt over eating certain foods, or worry about sabotaging their health goals that they forget to actually enjoy the food and precious moments. This is definitely not an outcome we wish for ourselves or our community!
Here is our philosophy on food and the holidays- We believe that it is important to honor our bodies, minds, and spirit by making choices that support both our physical and mental well-being in the long term. This means focusing on our values first and foremost, and adjusting with occasions to make sure we are living up to those values. For many, this means focusing on gratitude, relationships, rekindling connections with family and friends, and enjoying great company during holidays. This leaves less room for food fixation or guilt for enjoying an extra slice of your grandma's apple pie.
On the other hand, many like myself find that they are even more likely to enjoy their time during the holidays by embracing the concept of picking battles wisely! Some have such a negative response to certain foods, such as those who have a severe reaction to gluten or have celiac disease, that eating wheat products just is not worth the consequences. I am one of those people, but I definitely will be indulging in gluten-free pie and my favorite brand of vanilla ice cream! Others may be willing to suffer the consequences of eating certain treats knowing it is worth it to them (i.e indulging in dairy despite lactose intolerance because it is worth picking that battle on a special day)! There is no right or wrong way to eat and enjoy the holidays, as long as you are supporting your values and will look back with no regrets due to the memories created! We can always easily return to the way we have been eating in order to support our physical goals.
The key to finding sustainable balance when it comes to managing our nutrition is the ability to make conscious decisions about our food choices without letting ourselves be ruled by cravings or obsessive thoughts about nutrition. When we practice food freedom, we can have lasting, sustainable lifestyle changes that promote long-term health and well-being.
So this Thanksgiving, take a look into your heart and mind to see what truly matters most to you. Focus on those values and allow yourself the space and freedom to enjoy time with loved ones while savoring your favorite foods. Whether you choose gluten-free pie, extra sides of veggies, butter-filled rolls, or a Thanksgiving feast without an ounce of guilt, remember that food should be enjoyed without obsessing over every micro-nutrient in each bite. With the right mindset, you can find balance, enjoy your Thanksgiving celebrations, and honor your body for all that it does for you!
Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy Thanksgiving From TCLM!
