We’re still polishing off Halloween candy as we start to think about Thanksgiving menus and it’s a reminder that this time of year it’s all about the food. And as much as we love eating seasonal treats and family meals, those of us who eat our feelings or struggle with body image issues may have a hard time around the holidays.
But instead of focusing on the negative, like how to avoid overeating or not letting a passive aggressive comment send you into a peppermint bark binge, let’s try these new, kinder, gentler, more realistic rules for the holidays. Stick to these do’s and don’ts to help you make peace with your body during the season that’s all about eating.
- DO eat a piece of pie or Christmas cookie anytime you want to and enjoy it without feeling guilty.
- DO ditch your scale the weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas … or maybe for the rest of the year.
- DON’T let mean comments get to you, try to shake off critics like your miserable aunt.
- DO give yourself permission to be more relaxed about diet and exercise during the holidays.
- DON’T forget to eat healthy foods and lighter fare to balance out all those sweets and cheese.
- DO keep moving with dancing, walking, ice skating, sledding, and strolling with your loved ones.
- DON’T feel bad for spending more time being sedentary while watching movie marathons.
- DO use your New Year’s resolution to focus on making a healthy lifestyle change instead of making it an excuse to hate on your body.
- DON’T try to be “perfect” because it’s impossible, so just be kind to yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically and forgive yourself for slip-ups.
Source:The Frisky