Eating healthy for the holidays

The topic of food often generates a love-hate response with most people, especially from those battling the budge. And if you are one of the lucky ones without a weight problem, then you probably know a friend or family member who participates in some sort of fad diet or weight loss program. But recently, you may have noticed them weaning themselves off their otherwise good behavior, to indulge in the foods of the season.

Many do this because the holidays don’t only provide us with time to slow down, but they also bring with them large portions of rich meals made by some of our dearest family and friends. And whether you are watching your weight or not, many look forward to Grandma’s stuffing or Aunt Rita’s pie a-la-mode. But by the time the meal is all consumed, many end up with unpleasant symptoms like heartburn or bloating. Leaving us to regret the over-indulging and to seek ways to lose the pounds we put on. So it’s no wonder that gyms and health clubs experience monumental membership, along with an increase in members using their facilities around this time of year. Some establish workout routines while others trail off and just exercise until they feel better.

But this vicious cycle could all be avoided if we took the time to practice conscious eating habits. Because when you are more conscious of your eating and the food choices you make, then you find yourself passing on that second helping of turkey and sweet potatoes. It’s when we aren’t in alignment with our bodies, that we often use food, alcohol or other indulgences to make us feel better. And often become addicted too. But when we work on becoming more self-aware of our eating habits and the feelings we experience, then we find that we often don’t want to over-eat the same foods that felt so good to us before.

Unfortunately, there is no easy-button to all of this, it just takes practice. But there are plenty of resources available that can make it easier for you to choose recipes that are healthier for consumption. If a workshop led by professionals talking about this topic appeals to you, then check out The Awakening Center in Chicago, IL. They work with people each day on all sorts of matters, including conscious-eating and can help to make your holiday season one you are in control of.

If you are purely in search of places that not only sell food and drinks to make money, but also offer nutritional information to consumers and reasons why alternate choices might make them feel better, then check out your local Whole Foods Market. This grocery store is built around conscious-eating and offers new approaches to healthier meal preparation along with classes too. They sell fresh foods and organic products so that meals contain higher nutritional content in comparison to processed options. Not only is the conscious food trend being seen at Whole Foods Market, but other manufacturers and distributors have began to get on board and offer fresh and organic products to consumers as well. 

Have you been appointed the host/hostess of this year’s holiday meal and are unsure what to make? Then check out Whole Foods Market’s holiday webpage. They have tips on how you can plan a conscious meal that is healthy and stress-free for your entire family. Some of you may be rolling your eyes at this point, thinking, “yeah, healthy meals that have no flavor…” And you’re right, that is a valid concern. But healthy eating has come a long way. And many have found Whole Foods Market’s products and recipes to be different. They utilize a more creative approach to their food and pre-packaged items that not only help to cut calories and portions, but are packed full of robust flavors and spices as well. So you won’t be disappointed.

Some other great resources available online that can help you plan for healthy meals this holiday season, can be found at Foodfit.com and at the Foodnetwork.com. If you are looking for books to read on the topic, that also contain great recipes geared toward your health, then check out publications by Dr. Neal Barnard. A physician, author and advocate for healthy food approaches.

As you can see, there are various resources available that can take your holiday menu from calorie-laden to health-conscious in no time. It just takes a little digging and some planning, but before long, your holiday meals will not only taste good, but they will be good for the people you love too. And that is what is most important.

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