Thanksgiving. Here we are, once again, at this strange holiday.
I say strange for a number of reasons.
First, we all agree to show up together for an over-sized meal containing way more food than is necessary.
Then, we add in all this baggage around it, having convinced ourselves that over-eating is wrong and unhealthy.
To top it off, we pour on the stress and guilt – stressing about whether we should eat that piece of the most amazing dessert or indulge in any seconds (then feeling guilty if we decide to say yes).
All of it can combine to create a whole series of negative health outcomes – all for what we all came together to agree is a happy event for being grateful.
It confuses me, so today I thought I’d write to you about straightening that out.
For starters, let’s get clear on two concepts:
- Overeating food at a single meal is not going to impact your health nor weight. However, overeating consistently for days (or months) does lead to weight gain and poor health outcomes.
- Excess weight gain during the holidays is a real thing. One study showed that, while weight gain during the holidays is on average quite small, the accumulated weight gain through the holiday season is significant and does not tend to drop back down in the following months (no matter what stories we tell ourselves about losing it beginning January 1st). This means that, over the years, the impact of holiday weight gain may actually be significant.
What does all of this mean? For me, it means that when it comes to a single meal, choosing to indulge a bit isn’t going to significantly impact anyone’s health nor fat stores.
However, over-indulging throughout an entire holiday season probably will, which is why it is healthy to be mindful of the frequency at which we do decide to indulge a bit.
As for what it means for you? I have a short and simple practice for you to try out to get clear on how you want to spend this Thanksgiving (and greater holiday season) so that you can get the enjoyment out of it while still supporting your health and well-being.
Clarity
Personally, I think clarity is one of the most useful concepts when it comes to anything we do in life.
If we are clear on what we are doing and why, then it makes it so much easier to carry out the how in a way that leads to happier and healthier outcomes.
Shall we try it out this Thanksgiving?
Here’s what you can do this Thanksgiving (and throughout the holiday season) so that you can enjoy this magical time of year while also supporting your health.
First, take some time to get clear on why this holiday is special for you. What is it about this holiday that you look forward to? Perhaps it is a specific food (or assortment of foods), or perhaps the company. Or maybe both? Something else entirely? Whatever it is, get clear on what brings you the most joy this holiday.
A side note – if what you enjoy most about this holiday can’t be a part of your holiday this year, then reframe the question to be how you can make the most of this holiday.
Second, take a moment to consider how the things you identified in #1 get sabotaged. As you do, try to stay focused on how you sabotage it for yourself and stay away from putting blame on others. Keep this in mind as you move into the following steps.
Third, give yourself full permission to engage in anything that brings you this joy that you are now clear that you want most.
For example, if you love Thanksgiving because you can have that one special piece of pie, then go enjoy the hell out of that piece of pie! Or, if you love Thanksgiving because you can pile on mashed potatoes and gravy, then, well, you now know what to do!
Fourth, release the need to engage in anything that brings you unnecessary added stress. If there is some part of the holiday that doesn’t bring you joy and only brings you stress, then is there really any need to participate in that piece this year?
For example, if the food isn’t really that exciting to you, then feel free to consume reasonable amounts, skipping any foods that you aren’t excited about, and embrace whatever it is about the day that you find most joyful.
One last step: commit to sticking with each of these steps throughout the day.
This step is important because taking action is never a one-step deal. Instead, it requires a strong intention to stick with the plan, routinely checking in with yourself.
For example, if you decide that the stellar stuffing that your relative won’t stop talking about isn’t really what you want, then you might need some extra attention when anyone tries to guilt you into eating it (“Yes, it does look amazing, but I’m actually saving this spot on my plate for an extra serving of mashed potatoes”).
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The honest reality is, holidays are tough. But if all they bring is extra stress and guilt, then why even bother?
Personally, I think holidays are a great opportunity to take some time to care for ourselves and our loved ones in a way that truly reflects what we each need.
To do this, though, it is often important to put in some work up front (followed by sticking with our own selves throughout the day – and holiday season, for that matter) so that we are each supporting our own selves fully and not sabotaging our own health.
