Food is so many things to us besides just fuel for our bodies-- it represents traditions and memories, especially at holiday gatherings. I was thinking about this with Thanksgiving just two days away. In my family, I know exactly what will be served every year at Thanksgiving and Christmas time. It's much the same as it was when I was a kid. My mom even bakes the same goodies. It's almost comforting to know that some things like that don't change... it's about the tradition more than about how many goodies I'm going to eat. In my own house, we have started our own traditions and my kids are already talking about "hors d'oeuvres" night for Christmas Eve. We've all heard that "food is love" and "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach." (Is it?)
So, can we have the traditions and the memories and still not go overboard at our Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holiday gatherings? Do you have to turn down mom's famous creamy-this-or-that or buttery sugar cookies? I don't think you have to give up anything. I think that if you deprive yourself of something completely, it can backfire and you just want it more! If these foods are something that you only get once a year at these special occasions, then have a little. If it is something that you can eat at any time, any place, then skip it. Be mindful. Have your favorite traditional holiday food for that meal, then back to healthy every day eating. Too often, people indulge straight through from Thanksgiving to New Years! That's like marathon eating!
The holidays can also be a difficult time for some people. Depression, loneliness, and sadness can all show up, especially if you've lost a loved one or your life situation is tough right now. Be careful not to turn to food for comfort. Eating a whole pumpkin pie to drown your sorrows will not help you. The same problems will still be there after you eat and you'll feel bad on top of it. Find another feel-good activity: exercise, volunteer, sign up to help a needy family, etc. Food will never really make you feel better.
Don't have traditions related to food? Start one-- a healthy, yet yummy dish of sorts. Maybe we can all start an active family tradition too! A post-Thanksgiving walk outside or a game of touch football. Shoot baskets or play "around the world" with your kids.
Keep your traditions. Make new memories. Be mindful and think about why you love it so much. Food is fuel for the body and perhaps the soul. Enjoy every minute this Thanksgiving and give thanks for everyone in your life!
