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During this holiday season, it can be challenging not only to eat too much but also to eat some foods that don’t serve our highest good.
It’s not easy to go easy on the mac and cheese, sweet potatoes, greens, fried chicken, fried fish, ham, turkey and steaks, and it is okay for those having Cajun broils. I see you!
These days, we also tend to enjoy holiday parties and festivities that have loads of charcuterie displays filled with cheese, meat, crackers and sweets, and please don’t say OPEN BAR!
We are in a festive mood and we want to let our hair down and have a GOOD time. Sometimes, we can do more damage if we are not in the best mood by overindulging.
But never fear, we have some tips here!
First and foremost, give yourself some grace, but also take some time to reflect on your current eating and nutritional habits. Are you using this holiday season as a reason to eat differently than what you usually do? Are you seeing yourself eating more or less than what you typically do?
I learned from a friend to make a statement: When choosing what I want to eat, I ask myself, “Is this going to mess me up or bless me?” Honestly, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t, but what’s important is taking the pause for consideration.
I hope these tips empower you to make the best decisions for your health and wellness now and moving forward into 2025:
1) Balance Your Plate: This balance keeps you satisfied and provides nutrients while leaving less room for overindulgent options.
- Focus on creating a plate that includes “eating the rainbow” with half vegetables or fruits, a quarter lean protein, whole grains or healthy starches. Ensure everything isn’t brown, white and fried. Eat green, red, yellow, orange and other nutrient-dense foods.
2) Start with the Healthiest Options: Filling up on nutrient-dense foods first can help curb cravings for heavier, calorie-dense dishes.
- Begin your meal with a salad, broth-based soup or veggie dish.
3) Choose Your Indulgences Wisely: Savor those indulgences slowly and mindfully, enjoying the experience without guilt.
- Scan the table and pick one or two treats you truly love rather than trying a little of everything.
4) Stay Hydrated: Limit sugary holiday beverages like eggnog or cocktails, and opt for sparkling water or herbal tea when possible.
- Drink water throughout the day and before meals to stay hydrated and help with portion control.
5) Listen to Your Body: Stop eating when you’re satisfied, not stuffed and take breaks between servings to assess how you feel.
- Eat slowly and pay attention to your hunger and fullness cues.
I hope these five tips will help you watch your plate and watch your weight this holiday season and as we move into 2025!
Be well,
Twyler L. Jenkins
Twyler L. Jenkins is one of the most sought-after event planners in the City of Chicago, since she founded Strategic Events Solutions in 2001. With more than 25 years in conference management, special event planning, and registration facilitation, she is considered an expert in optimizing event profitability. Ms. Jenkins has managed to provide these core competencies services to some of the most notable nonprofit and corporate organizations in Chicagoland. She has efficiently executed her services with excellence for The University of Chicago, The University of Chicago Medicine, McDonald’s, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Chicago Urban League, ComEd/Exelon, National Black MBA Association, the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, The Chicago Guardsmen and the Emmett Till Foundation, to name a few. In addition to her event management company, in 2018 Ms. Jenkins launched the I Am That Woman Movement and Retreat in Riviera Maya, Mexico. The IATW Movement and Retreat provides holistic wellness resources, events and programs locally and internationally to women.
Ms. Jenkins serves her community with the same creative and developmental excellence. She is the co-president of the board of directors for the South Side Community Art Center. She remains relative and connected as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Meeting Professionals International, the Professional Convention Management Association, and the Alliance of Independent Meeting Managers.