This time of year is full of parties and gatherings, and catching up with lots of people.
It’s a fun and enjoyable time, but it can also be quite stressful and overwhelming, especially when you’re faced with eating out a lot while you’re trying to stay on top of your health goals.
Here are some tips for enjoying the silly season while staying on track with your health.
Keep practicing mindful eating and listening to hunger and fullness cues
It can be easy to want to set strict food rules during this time, especially when you are surrounded by so many different foods at events and it can be quite overwhelming. This is when mindful eating becomes very important. Focus on trying the foods you enjoy and eating until you feel satisfied. If you find yourself mindlessly eating at these events out of boredom, some strategies that help include offering to help the host serve the food or engaging in a conversation with someone.
Have a clear intention for each event
It can help to have an intention of what experience you want to get out of the event when it comes to the food:
- Do you want to go and just enjoy the food and the social aspect and not stress about anything?
- Do you want to go and leave feeling physically your best and make a bit more of a health conscious choice?
- Do you want to sit somewhere in the middle, where you pick something super satisfying and stay mindful of your fullness cues?
Each option is completely valid and will leave you feeling good.
Be mindful of alcohol intake
Alcohol can significantly contribute to energy intake, so it’s a good idea to consider reducing alcohol intake when you are working towards weight loss. Try to practice drinking in moderation, for example a good aim for women is no more than 5-7 standard drinks per week. Remember to also eat before drinking and stay hydrated so you feel well enough the next day.
Have some consistency in your routine
When it’s such a busy time with all these events and eating out more than you normally do, it can be hard having less control over your routine. Have a few consistent habits that you can maintain each day which can help you stay on track with your goals. This could be staying on top of your water intake, having a filling breakfast, and fitting in at least 10 minutes of exercise each day.
Following these tips will help you get the most out of the silly season while staying on track with your goals. Remember to allow flexibility in your routine so you are achieving your goals in a way that is sustainable and lets you enjoy eating out at these events.
