Getting together with family and friends is something we do around the holidays. These gatherings typically include rich foods and lots of sweets. If you’re like most people, this excites and stresses you out at the same time. It’s a time of year when many people “cheat” and go off their diets.

DESSERTS spelled backwards is STRESSED

Instead of trying to be “good” and not have any dessert and then feeling guilty afterwards when your willpower fails you, give yourself permission to eat dessert and enjoy every bite.

Dessert can be part of your healthy eating plan. The key is to put the emphasis on HEALTHY. It’s not healthy to stuff yourself and then wallow in guilt. It is healthy to eat an amount of your favorite food (including sweets) that will leave you feeling satisfied and proud of the choices you made.

IT’S ALL ABOUT EATING MINDFULLY

Plan ahead. Before you start eating, decide how full you want to be when you’re finished.

Eat only what you really want. Survey all the options and choose only your favorites.

Pace yourself. Eat slowly, chew each mouthful thoroughly, and leave room for dessert.

The holiday season offers so many opportunities to practice these 3 principles of mindful eating. Instead of “dieting” which typically backfires and results in overeating and weight gain, focus on wellness. Eat whatever you want, but do it in a way that supports your health – including a healthy weight.

Watch this quick video to see one of my favorite holiday desserts – Homemade Apple Crisp.

I always leave room for a piece of this special treat. Add a dollop of real whipped cream or ice cream and you’ve got a truly decadent dessert. Click here for the recipe. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

Lorraine

PS…
Want to know why I stopped promoting weight loss diets? CLICK HERE to find out and learn about a much better option to get to your personal best weight.

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