The holidays are a time for indulgence and celebration. From pumpkin pies to Christmas cookies, it’s easy to get caught up in the feast and forget about being mindful of what we eat. However, being mindful doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of delicious treats. It simply means being aware of what you’re eating and how it makes you feel. In this guide, we’ll give you tips on how to stay mindful while still enjoying all of your holiday favorites.

Mindful Eating 101 🤔🍽️

Before we dive into specific tips, let’s briefly discuss what mindful eating means. Mindful eating is the practice of paying attention to your food, being in the present moment, and noticing how your body responds to what you eat.

To start, try to eat without any distractions such as watching TV or using your phone. Slow down and savor each bite, noticing the texture, flavor, and aroma of your food. Chew your food thoroughly and pay attention to how it feels in your mouth and how it tastes. This not only helps you fully enjoy your food, but it also helps you recognize when you’re full and avoid overeating.

A person sitting at a table, eating without distractions and savoring every bite of their food.

Plan Your Indulgences 📆🍪

One mistake people often make when it comes to holiday eating is not having a plan. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and keep eating more calories than you intended. To prevent this, planning ahead is crucial.

Before heading to a holiday party or dinner, think about what foods you truly want to indulge in and which you can do without. Make a conscious decision to eat a reasonable amount of your favorite treats, instead of mindlessly eating everything in sight.

By having a plan, you’re much more likely to enjoy your indulgences without feeling guilty or experiencing negative consequences.

A person writing down a list of their favorite holiday treats and making a plan to indulge in them in moderation.

Use a Smaller Plate 🍽️🥧

The size of your plate can greatly impact your mindset towards eating. Using a smaller plate can trick your mind into thinking you’re eating more than you actually are, leading to feelings of satisfaction with smaller portions.

Additionally, by choosing a smaller plate, you’re more likely to focus on the foods that matter most to you, rather than filling up on less satisfying and calorie-heavy options.

A person using a smaller plate at a holiday dinner, focusing on their favorite foods and eating mindfully.

Practice Gratitude 🙏🍁

The holidays are a time to be grateful for all that we have. This year, try to incorporate this attitude of gratitude into your holiday eating.

Before digging in, take a moment to appreciate the food in front of you. Think about the effort it took to make the dish and the people you’re sharing it with. This not only helps you appreciate your food more, but it also slows down your eating and promotes mindful and intentional eating habits.

A person pausing before eating to silently express gratitude for the delicious food in front of them.

Take Breaks 🧘‍♀️🎁

During the course of a long holiday meal, it’s important to take breaks in order to check in with yourself and refocus on mindful eating. Take a few deep breaths between courses, and if you need to, step away from the table for a few minutes to give yourself a chance to reboot.

Taking breaks can help you remember your goals for mindful eating and help you be more intentional about your food choices.

A person taking a few deep breaths between courses, refocusing on being mindful and present during the holiday meal.

Conclusion 🎅🎄

The holidays are a time to celebrate with family and friends, and indulging in delicious holiday treats is a natural part of the joy and happiness that comes along with this special season. By practicing mindful eating habits, you can enjoy all your favorite holiday foods without overindulging or feeling guilty.

Remember, mindful eating is not about depriving yourself of the foods you love. It’s about savoring and enjoying every bite while being mindful of your body’s needs and responses.

Have a happy and mindful holiday season!

A festive image of a holiday decorated table with a mix of healthy and indulgent foods.