Holiday Hangover (Christmas Prep Day 4)

Did you just say “eat that dessert?” Yes I did. And I know I’m the healthy eating Chef who is all about balance. But let’s be real: alcohol and desserts are a part of the Holidays.

You are probably going to drink and eat dessert and YOU SHOULD! Remember though that your health and wellbeing are important too, so how do we drink and have dessert and call it healthy?

Here is my philosophy and this is what I tell my coaching clients: when it comes to dessert, you will have it sometimes. I don’t want the dessert to be some low-fat pseudo chocolate Splenda something because that is just not satisfying. I want it made with all the butter, all the sugar and all the flavor that it should have. You are going to eat it, but in a specific way.

What I have found is that we as humans need to be able to appreciate and enjoy our food. Always restricting and saying no is just not sustainable for most people and is certainly not enjoyable. We need that emotionally. But there is a way to do it MINDFULLY and that goes for both alcohol and sweets.

So here is what I teach: First, tell yourself that you’re going to eat this dessert and appreciate it and savor it. Give yourself permission. Second, eat it slow. By that I mean, take small bites of it and really savor the taste. Chew longer. Taste the flavors. Experience the textures. And when you are done, be done. That small piece is just as satisfying as eating three. And you won’t end up feeling terrible the next day. Now, since you are going to be feeling good, you will need that for tomorrow…

8:28

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