We are counting down to Christmas and most of us are already in festive... "fever". The truth is that Christmas is a particularly favorite holiday for most of us as it is associated with a feeling of love, sharing, and moments of fun with our loved ones.

Of course, it is also the period of the most delicious dishes and desserts, which is often accompanied by a feeling that we have to eat more than we want and need, succumbing to the pressures of our environment. 

But how can we enjoy the holidays without feeling guilty or harming our health?

Identifying the pressures

Our society has created an image of the holidays where food and general overconsumption are on the spotlight. Additionally, many families have specific traditions around food during the holidays, which can make this pressure particularly intense. For some people, too, food is often associated with feelings of pleasure and comfort, which are more common during the festive season; however, this is something that can lead us to overconsumption.

How can I resist the pressures I receive?

The truth is that although the pressures and the tendency to overeat are extremely intense during this period, there are ways to deal with them and maintain a healthy relationship with both food and our loved ones. For this reason, the following steps are a good start to keeping your eating habits regardless of where you are and with whom.

Plan your meals: During this time right before the holiday gatherings, plan your meals and snacks, so you have an idea of ​​what you will eat and avoid the impulsive choices you will find at holiday tables, as well as treats at work.

Eat a healthy snack before a meal: Whether you're hosting loved ones at home or are a guest at a holiday dinner, a small snack will help you not arrive at the table hungry and help you control your portions and avoid overeating.

Pay attention to hunger and satiety signals: Don't eat just because there's food on the table. Stop when you feel full and don't give in to pressures like "Come on, it's Christmas; have some fun!". 

Don't feel obligated to empty your plate: It's perfectly acceptable to leave some food on your plate and not eat it all if you don't feel like you can. In fact, no one has ever been offended because a guest didn't eat all their food.

Enjoy every bite: The holidays are days of relaxation and not unnecessary stress, so instead of eating quickly to finish, take time to appreciate every bite and understand the food's flavors and aromas. Holiday food usually consists of delicious dishes, so take your time and enjoy them.

Talk to your loved ones: Instead of focusing on the food, focus on the conversations and moments with your loved ones, as this is the real magic of the holidays. Getting close to our loved ones and spending quality time together is not always possible due to our demanding daily routines and overloaded schedules.

Drink plenty of water: Water will help you feel full and avoid dehydration, especially when the meal is accompanied by alcohol, which is guilty of dehydrating us.

Accept that there will be missteps: It's natural to enjoy the holidays and sometimes get carried away and consume more than you intended. However, if you get carried away, don't give up. Continue to make healthy choices the rest of the days and maintain a balanced diet.

Practice: Exercise will help you burn calories and improve your mood, so don't neglect exercise during the holidays. Go for a walk after dinner or have a joyful Pilates session between gatherings and parties.

Get enough sleep: Adequate sleep will help you regulate your appetite and avoid impulsive choices at the holiday table.