Holiday Eating

Okay, friends – it is a holiday time…again. I didn’t really realize how many holidays there are until just the last few years.

The other thing I didn’t realize was how much all holidays revolve around food. Working with clients seems to be helping them re-establish priorities for holidays. What is important about the celebration? For many, one of the cornerstones is food.

Let’s take the upcoming July 4th celebrations. What comes to mind for Saturday? Fireworks – that is an easy one. But then what? Hamburgers or hot dogs on the grill? What about brats? Potato salad?

Where are family and friends on the list? Where is swimming or water sports or other non-food activities?

Sometimes we focus so much on the eating portion of the holiday that the holiday becomes stressful to those trying to make positive choices for weight management.

The food I listed above is available all year – all summer foods that are not really related to J4 at all.

When holiday eating starts getting stressful, think about what really makes the holiday special for you. Focus on the areas that add the most value to your life or are the most memorable for you. Many times, it is just habit that makes us think of food as a primary way of celebrating. It has been my experience when people really think about what makes a day special, it isn’t the food – it is the people they are sharing the day with.

For some great tips on holiday eating without the weight gain, check out Michelle May’s website.

My absolute favorite is #2 – Be A Food Snob!