The holidays are nearly here, and so many of my patients are concerned with food and weight management during this season. I am here to reassure you that the average person gains an insignificant amount of weight over the holidays, less than 1 pound, in fact.
To help manage food expectations, enjoy the holidays to the max, and improve happy and healthy eating habits, I suggest using the plentiful mindset. The plentiful mindset is a basic concept – to reassure oneself that there is plenty of delicious food, there will be ample for the next day, so hopefully, less pressure to eat beyond a comfortable level of fullness at any single eating opportunity. When you give yourself permission to eat fun foods with regularity, the desire to overeat in one moment lessens, as there is always another fantastic food experience upcoming.
If you struggle with the desire to continue to eat because the food is unique, and you fear you won’t have access to it again, try this closure activity – imagine the last time you finished a great book or streaming TV series. Sure, it’s a little disappointing when the fun is over, and yet, there is always another great book or another fun show to enjoy. That sense of looking forward to the next experience can help lessen the desire to keep eating when physically satisfied.
I hope the plentiful mindset can help with increased food enjoyment, focus on time with loved ones, and come away from the holidays with confidence in happy and healthy eating habits!
Content submitted by Jessica Roy MS, RD, LDN
Take the guesswork out of healthy eating by working with a registered dietitian. Set realistic goals, create an action plan, get started off on the right foot and receive guidance along the way. Reach out to the dietitians at Waverley Oaks to learn more at nutrition@waverleyoaks.com.