Once again, we're in the midst of another Holiday Season and everything that comes with it- friends, family, relaxation, and of course, great food! If your family is anything like mine, you spend your holidays sitting around a table eating, visiting, re-hashing old stories(usually the same ones you told last year, and the year before, and the year before...), then eating some more. And then dessert comes out! We spend more time indulging, reminiscing, and mostly expressing our feelings of guilt for eating way too much. What a way to spoil the holiday!
Let's break this cycle in the New Year. No, I'm not going to tell you to never touch another dessert, or that it's never OK to indulge every now and then- especially on those ever-important annual holidays and gatherings!
I'm suggesting we change our approach. These times should be considered rewards- rewards for all of the hard work, exercise, and responsible diet choices we've put in throughout the year. Expecting yourself to never touch another dessert again and then experiencing the dooming feeling of guilt every time you "slip up" does nothing but set you up for failure. Life's too short not to enjoy. Work hard in your fitness programs, make wise food choices throughout the week, and reward yourself with a little indulgence every now and then... within reason!
Happy Holidays!
