Holiday Pitfalls- What they are and how to avoid them

We all know the holiday season is not typically thought of as a time of healthy eating. Why is this? Well, we tend to think that healthy eating means no calories, no fat, no carbs and no sugar. That's what healthy eating is, right?

When we have the perception of "healthy eating" wrong, it tends to make us want to run far, far away from it in times of celebration. We don't want anything to steal the joy from the time of celebration, and the fear of missing out on these things will cause us to throw all things out the window.

If you asked me what the number ONE pitfall to an unhealthy holiday season was, I would have to say it is the thought that being healthy means deprivation. Let's see what being healthy over the holidays really means.

What should we think about to stay on track?

• Enjoying food- Food during the holidays is made with love, laughter, time, tradition and nostalgia. As Americans, we rarely take time to make food anymore, and when the holidays roll around, that extra time spent in the kitchen should be appreciated. When we eat this food, we should take time to enjoy it. Slow down, savor it with those you made it with, and take time to recognize flavors and textures. When you take time to actually enjoy food, you will be less likely to overeat or binge eat it. Don't waste your time on store-bought novelties track create unnecessary filler (unless you really do like those Little Debbie Christmas Trees). Think about what is worth enjoying and savoring the most.

• Choosing your favorites- Because of the plethora of food during the holidays, we must still know that choice comes into play. If we really think we can enjoy a serving of everything we come into contact with, we will quickly see that our body cannot handle it all. Rather, we must use our noggin and choose what looks best and what we really want. That way, we don't feel deprived and our body can handle the items we choose.

• Intentionally moving- Movement can come easy during the holidays if you let it. It can also be sparse if you aren't careful. Be sure to use shopping time to move around the store multiple times, or get to the mall to appreciate the sounds and decor. Consider that movement is what helps with blood sugar regulation (AKA, stops from sugar spikes and crashes) which can lead to endless grazing, binging and overindulgence on things you don't even want!

• Working on our digestive system- We've all been there. Stuck in the bathroom at Grandma's house or missing a work party because our stomach isn't feeling well....again. If your gut is running your life and its not running it well, think about the effects of your eating habits on your life. Are the foods you are choosing supporting regularity (constipation will ruin anyone's day!)? Are the foods you are choosing making you happy in the moment, but leaving you in the bathroom all evening? Think about swapping out choices for ones that will make your gut happier. Choose baked shrimp or shrimp cocktail instead of fried. Choose 86% dark chocolate covered almonds instead of M&M's, or fruit salad instead of a second mimosa. This is where choice comes in again- let your body tell you what you need to choose in order to feel well and fully enjoy your holiday.

• Embrace the reason for the season- I believe you truly won't experience real joy during Christmas if we lose sight of what we are celebrating. Put down all the expensive toys, release the desire for the perfect meal and let go of that "one more decoration" that needs to go up and think about what Christmas is all about. Read the Christmas story, reflect on what the journey to Bethlehem was like, and truly realize the importance of this perfect day.