Nov 2, 2021

Mindful Cravings During the Holidays

So, it’s that time of year where you start to smell the yams, collard greens, ham and oh yes, the holiday food. You’re trying to eat healthy and let’s be honest it can seem very difficult during this time of the year. Think about it, how many times have you went back to have that 2^nd and 3^rd plate of food just because you feel like you don’t get that kind of food during the year? It can especially seem hard when you’re trying to lose weight or simply trying to live a healthier life.

During the year we set goals to eat healthier or to simply lose weight. We dice into the many healthy challenges or diets that promises that we will lose the weight. However, we don’t tap into the main source of the problem, the key to where we are and why we even want to lose weight; which during the holiday season is very crucial.

When we set goals to lose weight or be healthy, we must ask ourselves why we want to lose weight or be healthy. What is the reasoning behind it? Is it because we want to be healthy or is it because we want to look a certain way? Next question is, “How did we get in the position we are currently in?” Was it because of stress or was it because we are dealing with something that is deep inside that we don’t want to face; these are all mindful questions? Until we tackle these questions then we will still see ourselves cycling through the treacherous cycle of weight loss and unhealthy lifestyle.

Why are all these questions so important?

Often during the holiday season, we beat ourselves down for overeating. When it doesn’t just stem from the holidays but from our mindful eating/cravings throughout the year.

Mindful Cravings
What do we battle with the most when we are trying to lose weight or eat healthier? We battle with cravings, with the feeling of not having enough. But is that truly the reason why we are having cravings? How to be mindful to the cravings is the key.

Here are some tips the next time you have a craving:

1. Stop and think about why you are having that craving
   Are you stressed?
   Are you bored?
   Are you hungry?

The more we become mindful of our cravings the more we can fight them.

So how do you tackle the holiday cravings, ask yourself the same questions above.

Other ways of combating the holiday cravings are:

1. Make sure you are eating your regular schedule meals (don’t skip meals)
2. Drink plenty of water
3. Make a smaller plate of food (Don’t try to pile your plate up with so much food)
4. Don’t overindulge, eat in moderation (You don’t have to say NO to the sweets but eat it in moderation)
5. Don’t deprive yourself (eat the food but make smaller portion sizes)

Eating should not be another job or chore. When you truly start to become more mindful of what you are eating and why you are eating the more you can combat your weight loss and fitness goals. Step into this holiday season with mindfulness of your goals and why you want to achieve them. Let your goals be the inspiration to set yourself up for SUCCESS during this holiday season.

By: Felicia. R. Hall @feliciarhall
Felicia is an educator and motivator at heart. Felicia is a Certified Athletic Trainer, Corrective Exercise Specialist, Run & Fitness Coach, RYT 200 Yoga Instructor, Educator and a doctoral candidate. She is a small-town girl who loves running, nature and helping others become the best version of themselves.