Holidays

So here we are. The fudge. The cheesecake. The cookies. There are so many ways to look at this.

We are called upon to enjoy ourselves over and over with friends and family. Plus pictures will be taken of you at those occassions.

Perhaps we should stop to focus on the fact that the occasions are really about love and connecting with others. Rather than on the food itself. To us, with our intense focus on seeing the food, simultaneously craving it and loathing it, and the anxiety over what we will DO with the food, the food takes on a life of it's own this time of year.

Remember that the food will always be there, but the people won't.

Obsessing over the food, will only destroy the moment put before you.

Eating this time of year will not be a "mistake". It will not be irreparable damage. But losing out on time with your family and friends, and listening to what they say, will be lost forever.

Here are some ideas:
Enjoy the season in ways that do NOT involve food. Enjoy making crafts with friends, developing photos, decorating and making your home warm and inviting.

Make food for others, and allow yourself to enjoy in the appropriate moderation. I love baking treats this time of year, turning my kitchen into a cookie warehouse actually decreases the odds I will eat too much of them. I enjoy packaging them. I only bake as much as I will use to give away though!

Enjoy some treats of the season that will not cause you stress. Warm mulled cider, flavored coffees, fresh fruits that are in season, nuts and cranberries. Go ahead and eat! But eat healthy!

Allow yourself to enjoy the foods that you are given, while also being honest with yourself and OTHERS. Be able to say, no thank you it looks lovely but I am FULL!

Most of all remember, the gift of your health is precious.