Staying Present: 3 Mindful Eating Tips to Enjoy Holidays to the Fullest

We’re headed into the 4th of July week here in the United States.  A holiday steeped in outdoor activities, pool parties, games at the park, cookouts and fireworks.  As a health coach, I often hear from clients that while often joyful, events and holidays may also pose a challenge to someone who is actively engaged in making lifestyle changes.  Issues arise when we find ourselves around others who may not share, let alone support, our health journey.  Whether this is the case for you or whether you have a history of the wheels coming off your health track, here are 3 tips to keep you focused. 

3 Tips

Set your intentions ahead of time.

Consider how you feel before the event or holiday.  Perhaps you have put new lifestyle choices and habits into play, and you feel good!  Now this holiday is coming and you’re afraid you will slide backwards.  This is understandable and normal.

Do not doubt that you are in control.  You have the power to make your choices.  Why not make them ahead of time?  Visualize how you want to feel before, during and after the event or holiday.  If there will be food and drink that you find difficult to resist, acknowledge it.  Avoid hoping that certain foods or drinks won’t be around.  To do so, is not reasonable.  Instead, go ahead and imagine all potential lures.  And then imagine considering them.  Like an interview, weigh the pros and cons of each item.  Perhaps you place a greater weight on certain items and less on others.  This mindful approach to what is offered keeps you clearly in the driver’s seat of your own health journey.

Remember, if you decide differently than planned, to respond with compassion and the knowledge that it was just one event. 

Set yourself up for success!

What do you need to have on hand to feel comfortable?  Do you need to plan for snacks or meals or all of it?  What drinks will you allow, and which will you avoid?  Do you need to bring a cooler so you have what you need?  Remember, whatever you choose is up to you.

Acknowledge and Thank Yourself

Don’t wait!  As you move through the event, acknowledge, and recognize the hurdles and challenges you’re facing.  Also, embrace the wins!  Thank yourself for doing the best you can as you navigate the day.  Keep in mind that you are not making excuses, you are simply creating space for your success.  This type of reinforcement creates positive feedback critical for sustained behavior change.

Bring on the birthdays, holidays, celebrations, and events of any kind!  Approach them with the intention and purpose of a person who is making positive change.  Set yourself up for success before you even show up.    Conduct your own reconnaissance and control what you can.  Acknowledge you may not be able to control everything and that’s ok!  You are doing the best you can in the moment and will respond positively to gratitude and appreciation.