The holidays. Ironically, a season created to slow down and enjoy loved ones has become (in our culture, at least) a season of parties, food, full schedules, and weird family dynamics – all things that I love … but if I’m honest, my favorite part of the holidays (other than quality family time and praising God) is the FOOD. I mean, don’t you agree just a little bit? What other time of the year do you have friends dropping by with a bunch of chocolate covered pretzels on a Tuesday afternoon or giving you a cute tin can of peanut butter balls just for stopping by their Christmas party?
All of these “special treats,” as my three-year-old calls them, make for a season filled with joy and guilt! Who doesn’t feel total joy as they take that first bite of a peanut butter ball or totally guilty after accidentally eating the whole tin of peanut butter balls … I mean, if you know anyone who has ever done that. 😉 I thought it would be a good time to share my go-to “rules” for enjoying the holidays and the food without having to buy new pants.
1) ONLY eat your favorites.
If you LOVE mashed potatoes and gravy at Christmas dinner, then EAT THEM! Enjoy it. YOLO, right? Just remember to skip the corn casserole if it’s not really your thing. Make your calories worth it!
2) DON’T wait all day to eat.
Don’t deprive yourself of a small, healthy breakfast with the hope of cutting your calorie intake before the BIG meal that afternoon or evening. If you do that, you are way more likely to over-eat once the meal finally arrives on the table. Be smart. Eat a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast, have a handful of nuts for a snack, and then sit down and ENJOY your holiday meal.
3) PICK one or TRY them all.
The dessert table. It is so inviting. What other time of the year do you get to eat things like maple Bourbon pecan pie or Caramel-frosted cake? I mean, unless you’re like me and whip those up for your family on a regular basis. (That’s a joke – my family is shocked if they get homemade chocolate chip cookies.) Pick your favorite dessert and enjoy it. Eat the whole piece of pie. Someone worked REALLY hard to make it! OR, have a small, small portion of each dessert that looks good. Enjoy them. Then STOP.
Well, ladies … I don’t know about you, but after writing this post, I’m ready for Christmas dinner! Remember to slow down, enjoy your family AND your food. Don’t overdo it. You don’t want to waste your Christmas money on buying new pants. 😉
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