Happy #WorkoutWednesday, ladies! I somehow managed to have the little hanging string hanging out during the whole shoot for this post, but I’m just going to roll with it. Nobody’s perfect right? And how appropriate is that for the discussion today – how the hell does one actually eat healthy during the holidays?

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PORTIONS ARE ESSENTIAL

The key to healthy eating during the holidays is portion size. That’s pretty much it. The rest of the tips in this post will help you, but without portion size control, there is nothing. You can have all of the delicious goodies you want, as long as you have them in moderation. Huge stuffing fan? Just get a few bites, enough to really savor the flavor. And save your favorite foods for last. That way you’re already feeling full, and the best flavor is the last on your palate. In terms of sweets, opt for smaller versions of your favorites, like candy canes. Or share with others. A cookie is just as delicious (maybe even more so!) split in half and shared with a friend or loved one.

There really are so many yummy foods this time of year. But does the 3rd serving really taste any better than the first? If you can control your portion size, and don’t eat past satiated, you can eat a little of everything and still stick to your healthy eating goals.

HOW DO YOU REACT TO FOOD?

A good question to ask yourself this season is how you react to foods, both physically and emotionally. Physically, a lot of the heavier foods this time of year can leave you feeling bloated and gross. Kind of the opposite of how you want to feel at your holiday party. Keep in mind the foods that make you feel that way, and avoid them or (see above) eat less of them. Personally, I love apple pie. But I never feel satisfied after eating it, and if I eat it last, I feel like I need something else to recalibrate my palate. So, I like to eat dessert first. Or at least in between. I’m not sure what it does, but I know if I save it for last, I’ll eat too much. So I simply don’t save it for last.

You should also think about your emotional reaction to food. Maybe a certain food brings back memories for you, so you tend to eat a lot of it. Until you’re feeling sick or you’ve sidelined your healthy eating goals? Again, eat all the things in moderation. But be aware how a food affects you. If it’s something you think you might eat too much of without being able to control it, as a friend to serve you a small portion last (or first, whatever best suits you). That way you can’t let your emotional response dictate your portion size or the number of servings you have.

BE FORGIVING

Most of all, forgive yourself. No one is perfect, and life is no fun lived perfectly anyway. ‘Tis the season to enjoy yourself and your friends and family. Do your best to keep to your goals and your healthy eating habits, but if you fall off the horse, forgive yourself. Then get back on it. Nothing in unrepairable, especially not dieting. Your success at living a healthy life and having healthy eating habits is a journey, and progress is something that happens day by day by day. If an extra workout makes you feel better, do that. If it doesn’t burn all the calories you think it needed to, oh well.

Being healthy isn’t about a dress size, it’s about your physical and mental well-being. If you’re physically taking care of yourself of the time and living happily and doing the things that make you mentally well, then you’re succeeding. It’s a simple as that. A day of binging on your favorite holiday snacks won’t hurt you, but giving up on your goals will. So forgive yourself and enjoy the season!

How do you eat healthy this time of year?

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