The choice to DEPRIVE or DELIGHT yourself...
It's the season of parties, eating yourself into a coma and cookie exchanges galore. Why does it feel like we have to choose between the either/or of torturing our physical bodies or denying them any fun during the most celebrated time of the year?
For 10 months out of the year, I am committed to a very healthy lifestyle. During the last 2 months of the year, I am equally committed to the exact opposite. It's the only time that I eat and drink whatever I want without the worry of the carb, caloric or fat content. I usually pay for it with an extra 6 pounds... which is what I expect going in...but is it REALLY worth it?
You can have it... but do you really WANT it?
Even though I will grant myself several weeks of sweet and rich food galore, I usually can't last more than a few days of excessiveness. No matter how hard I try to commit to an over indulgent diet of sugar, fat and alcohol--- I end up caving.
Cheating on cheating.
I can actually feel my body pleading with me for a healthier selection of lean proteins and leafy green vegetables which usually results in my re-negotiating with it:
"Okay, fine. We'll eat healthy for 2 weeks after Thanksgiving, but after that... it's PARTY until 2016! No exceptions!"
Healthy Holidays are IN.
The reality is that over indulgence is never all that it's cracked up to be.
Special occasion or not, our minds and bodies don't function optimally when not fueled properly. What may start out as a delightful treat for your beautiful body may begin to feel like a punishment instead. Don't be surprised when it fights back.
Celebrate Your Healthy Self
Instead of inflicting maltreatment to yourself during this time of year, why not honor it with nutrition and wellness? Everyone looks forward to their favorite holiday foods and treats, but with the right outlook and game plan, you can still enjoy them without the over-indulgence and self-abuse. In the long run, your mind and body will thank you.
