Being healthy has become especially popular in the past few years, and I am all for it. I absolutely love eating healthy foods and working out, but if it's a holiday, I am not going to pass up a plate of potatoes or a slice of pie in order to maintain my health freak status. You bet I throw down on Thanksgiving.
If you are able to stick to healthy meals on each and every holiday without feeling any sadness or isolation, then honestly congrats. But if you enjoy a few treats every once in a while, this is the time of year for a free pass (or two, or three, or five).
1. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health.
Not that a few nights of enjoying yummy foods will really affect your physical health, but if you think it does, consider changing your mindset. I used to restrict myself from enjoying holiday foods, but now I would much rather enjoy myself and get right back on track the next day.
The holidays can be a particularly stressful time for those struggling with eating disorders. It can be tough if your used to eating healthy or keeping track of the food you eat. If you fall under this category, know that it is OK to get off track a little bit.
If you love Christmas cookies, why spend the whole night staring at the Christmas cookies that you won't let yourself have? Just enjoy the Christmas cookies! I'm not saying you have to stuff yourself full of sweets like Santa at every holiday event, but just keep yourself sane. Everything in moderation. Your body will be fine, I promise.
2. If you are going to gain a little weight ever, winter is the best time.
If you live somewhere cold in the winter like I do, maybe you have considered the possible benefits of putting on a few pounds to keep a little warmer. No? That's just me? Okay. Well anyway, at least you probably don't have to put on a bikini too much in the winter, so if you happen to gain a couple pounds, it's much less noticeable. You also have a free pass to wear big, puffy, comfy, fluffy clothes in the winter which is one of my favorite things. Take advantage of that.
3. Food is delicious.
This is an obvious one. Holiday food is a wonderful treat. If you have a kitchen full of delectable dinners and tasty treats, be thankful for that. Additionally, a lot of the food served during the holidays is food that isn't available during other times of the year. You're not going to enjoy a pumpkin pie at any other time of year, so get your fix while you can.
There are a lot of people in the world who don't get to celebrate the holidays with bounties of food, so be happy and enjoy. The holidays are a time for being thankful for what you have. Appreciate the yummy-ness.
4. You may be setting yourself up to fail.
The holidays are supposed to be cheerful, so don't give yourself a reason to be upset with yourself by setting an unrealistic diet for the holiday season. Spend your energy on being with friends and family, watching holiday movies, and stressing about buying people presents they will actually like.
5. Mashed potatoes.
That is reason enough for me honestly.
Bottom line, being healthy and fit is awesome, but so are the holidays. Don't let your want of abs get in the way of enjoying all of the holiday festivities you possibly can.