For the Holidays: An Alternative for Eating, Weight and Resolutions

At this time of year, with festivities and good-eats abound, do you find yourself:

1. Indulging in food, then immediately feeling guilty for it?
2. Partaking in the usual self-depricating/fat talk with others at holiday gatherings?
3. Criticizing your body size or shape?
4. Vowing to make weight loss and dieting your resolution for the new year?

Maybe this season is the time to try something new….

Last year I created my own version of ’twas the Night Before Christmas that touches on the themes of mindfulness and self-acceptance.  I decided to re-post here as a gentle reminder that there are more balanced and positive ideas of what constitutes healthy living.  Hope this inspires you to take a different approach!

‘Twas the Month of December

Twas the month of December and all through my mind
Was the worry and angst of gained weight to my thighs
With dozens of holiday plans already made
I feared my resolve to diet would be easily swayed

The tables were filled with gastronomic delights
As I looked at them wondering which choice would be right
“Only just one” I vowed to allow
But I knew I’d be certain to pay for it somehow

When seated with my plate full of sweets
I bargained to make this my last bit of treats
“Once January comes,” I sighed  “I’ll be so good”
But was ashamed of my lack of control over food

Does this sound familiar? The battling mind
Feeling food choices are a thorn in your side
Physically feeling the effects of mindless eating
But emotionally worsened by your internal beating

Such is the struggle of the longstanding dieters
The bingeing and purging and perceiving ourselves failures
We go weeks without, restricting our calories
And soon stuff our bellies past the point of satiety

Oh chocolate, oh cookies, oh pies and sweet squares
Tis time for stuffing and turkey and eggnog despair
All of this extra food compromises our reason
Making a simple choice challenging during the season

But what if I told you there’s an easier way?
To blend healthy eating with enjoyment always
If you slow down and listen to your internal cues
And trust there’s no need for any dieting rules

Make peace with your body and peace with your plate
The start is in accepting your body shape and weight
Perhaps we can move forward by removing the scale
As a measurement that only sets us up to fail

Next remove labels of good versus bad
To the choices you make when there’s food to be had
Instead think of each decision as supportive and fair
Of what you need without any despair

Then with each meal take a breath and assess
How hungry are you and what is your fullness
And after a few bites with self loving concern
Check in with your satiety, that you can discern

So once you’ve digested the concepts above
Approach every meal with a sense of self love
By taking a pause to use intuition
For your balanced eating to come to fruition

So I hope as you head to your holiday meals
That you approach them with more of a positive feel
And think of this phrase before a table delight
“I shall eat with intention, no judgment in sight”

Originally posted at the Adult Essentials blog.