Starting tonight, I am about to begin a week-long stretch where my plans have me dining in a restaurant at least once per day. There was a time where this might have placed me in a panic, or where the only feasible solution would have been to order salad after salad to keep myself “balanced.” I love my raw vegetables, but they have their time and place.
As the year comes to a close, I try to avoid the magazine articles advising “How to Stay Healthy This Holiday Season,” as their tips for fitting in every workout and planning each indulgence speak only to the ritualistic part of my brain. For me, that type of preparation stems almost entirely from a fear of the unknown, and at this point, I’d rather be spontaneous.
of course, at home, i’ve been enjoying the usual [carrot recipe to come].
I don’t believe that letting go of planning ahead is going to result in a sabotage of all my healthy habits. It’s a silly thought, really: I trust my instincts, and those instincts happen to be pretty good ones. Most, if not all, of the relationships in my life happened by chance, which is proof that the unplanned can be pretty exciting.
I also don’t believe there is any need to worry about short periods of indulgence. After these couple of weeks, it will be January, and everyone will be cold, cranky, and generally averse to the idea of spending money. Everything will go back to normal. The only difference is that I’ll have eaten some delicious restaurant meals to close out 2009.
So instead of worrying about rules, counting cookies, or overthinking how to stay perfectly balanced, the only holiday strategy I have is to simply enjoy. For the very first time, I am legitimately looking forward to each and every holiday meal, dessert included, that lies before me. I’m eager to catch up with friends, to discuss restaurant menus with my family, to hug my grandmothers, and to eat a lot of good food.
This food – healthy or not – is not about satisfying hunger or fueling exercise. It’s about happiness, relationships, and shared experiences. And really, isn’t that what the holidays are all about?
What foods are you looking forward to at the end of the year? In the week ahead, I know there will be chocolate fondue, some Thai coconut curry, and a generally excessive amount of wine. And we haven’t even gotten to the New Year’s Eve champagne. :)
Related posts:
Great post! Your words hold so much truth. It really bothers me that so much focus is put on not putting on weight during the holiday season. The holidays should be about joy, love, and laughter… and you’re right… a short time of indulgence makes no difference in the long run.
My goal this holiday season is to let myself indulge in the foods I want to eat and stop worrying about being balanced… After all, there are so many foods that, like Santa, only come once a year :)
Leslie, I just LOVE reading your blog posts. I love your perspective and attitude about healthy living. It makes me so happy :) I also have a week or two ahead of eating out every meal. We are going to Colorado for our annual ski trip. My family is full of foodies and the focus will definitely be on food. I am also going to try to remain sane and enjoy everything.
Maybe when we are cold, cranky and feeling like getting back to eating “normally” in January we can meet up at a healthy restaurant and finally meet!
Fantastic perspective. You should not worry about any of those trivial things, eat out every night and taste, enjoy, love, laugh, and eat. THAT is gaining the true spirit of the season. I hope you are able to cherish the time and look upon the restaurant experiences as positive. You are trying new things, exploring new dishes and atmospheres…that is lovely and wonderful opportunity.
I’m right there with you, my friend. One word: Enjoy. I love that. I’m going to put it in my pocket and take it with me over the holidays. I am pretty nervous about spending so much time away from my kitchen – but I’ll make the best choices I can and enjoy every moment.
I like that philosophy :) Sometimes I feel like worrying about indulgence is more of a control thing than a “stay healthy/don’t gain weight” thing. I’m looking forward to warm comfort foods
Indulge. because you deserve it. And when all is said and done, you’ll realize it had no negative effect on you or your health :)
Oh, and I wanted to thank you for your comments and support. I genuinely appreciate and value your genuine words.
Stay strong, stay positive- it’s the most wonderful time of the year. And if it’s not, let’s make it one.
bec xo
leslie — embrace these unplanned meals! eating out is FUN once you can let go of any negative thinking about nutritional information and let yourself enjoy. i’ve eaten out at 4 out of the last 5 days and am loving it – i just make sure i eat reasonably well during the day (in addition to the excess of holiday treats around the office) and then let myself go at night. it’s all good. :)
hey, good post and i also like your page layout too. Bookmarked your site and will stop by again
Great attitude! There is nothing worse than denying yourself at a restaurant – totally ruins the experience. Everything in moderation is my motto over the holidays (that and please stay out of the cookie dough)!
gahh! i need a pocket leslie to always coach me on living balanced and not go completely crazy/anxious this holiday ;]
oh, PS:
i received my stonyfield package and it is awesome! thanks again!
Great point and great post! Thanks for this oh-so-important reminder.
I’m definitely looking forward to some great food and wine in the upcoming week, as well as the time that will be spent enjoying it all with friends and family. You’re right on target, by January everyone will be struggling to get their acts together, while we will be just getting back into our normal routines :)
ZUCCHINI BREAD!
My aunt makes the best z bread.
Ahhh I want some NOW!
Happy Tuesday,
Katie
http://katiechangesforkatie.blogspot.com/2009/12/win-some-booty-slim-secrets-winners.html
hey, i just found your blog, and this post really resonated with me. you are right the holidays aren’t about eating to satisfy hunger, rather to be together with loved ones, thanks for reminding me :)
can’t wait to keep reading!
Hey Leslie,
I read your blog all the time and I totally don’t comment enough. I just wanted to say great post. Thanks for all your insight, and especially, all the beautiful photography!
You are so right! I can’t wait to get some yummy ham and boiled eggs with fresh bread on Christmas morning (I’ll skip the mayo salad though), some nice cookies afterwards, and definitely lots and lots of good food on my trip to Paris!
We leave for Arizona and New Mexico tomorrow, so I’m excited about eating Southwest food and Mexican food. Yum! Bring on the warmer weather, and bring on the new foods!
[...] holiday guidelines [or lack thereof]. [...]