A clinical health psychologist at Mayo Clinic, Lisa Hardesty, Ph.D., has shared her insights on strategies for maintaining health during and after the holiday season. She emphasizes the significance of mindfulness in curbing overindulgence and guilt.
Hardesty observes, "With so much of our family and social time structured around food and the act of eating during the holidays, it's no wonder that we feel like we need a reset to our eating habits this time of year when the celebrations are over." She adds, "But there are healthier, more sustainable ways to approach eating habits."
Post-holiday season, it is not uncommon for individuals to experience guilt and shame due to overconsumption of less nutritious foods. This remorse often leads to adopting strict, unsustainable diets from January 1st onwards. Hardesty states: "It is easy to feel like a failure in relationship to maintaining our healthy focus, but consistency and allowing yourself grace are important concepts to remember over the holiday time," as per a news release from Mayo Clinic.
The Mayo Clinic psychologist proposes mindful eating as an uncomplicated solution to annual overindulgence. Instead of radical diet alterations or intense restrictions, she advises people to exercise moderation in various ways. These include bringing fresh vegetables and fruits to family gatherings, portioning meals appropriately, increasing physical activity levels, consuming a healthy snack before holiday events to prevent overeating, and saving calories for festive feasts. However, Hardesty acknowledges that slip-ups are sometimes inevitable and should not be a cause for shame. She says: "Don't despair if you temporarily lose control of your food choices. Remember, consistency is key – not perfection," according to another news release from Mayo Clinic.
Hardesty outlines several fundamental strategies for implementing mindful eating. Firstly, she highlights the importance of understanding why one wants to maintain their healthy habits; without clear motivation it can become challenging to adhere even the best of goals. Secondly, she advises slowing down while eating; taking a moment to observe what is on the table, choosing the most appealing food and slowly savoring the flavors can help prevent overconsumption. Lastly, she recommends planning ahead and allowing for occasional indulgences. With a robust plan in place, it’s easier to enjoy treats without guilt, as reported by a news release from Mayo Clinic.
