Since the holidays are a time of enjoyment and sharing, we don’t need to worry about putting on a few pounds.
The festivities at the end of the year bring with them an explosion of flavors and aromas, but how can you reconcile gourmet pleasure and maintaining a balanced health? With hearty meals in the spotlight, dietitian Kim Shapira reveals a refreshing approach to enjoying every bite and losing weight during the holidays.
During this holiday season, the temptation to indulge in overeating is very present. However, instead of indulging in quick, distracted eating, Kim Shapira encourages us to adopt a more mindful approach. She says one of the easiest ways to eat healthy while still enjoying the culinary delights of the holidays is to slow down.
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“We tend to eat quickly and absent-mindedly, without thinking about the food on the plate. During the holidays, it’s important to be intentional,” she emphasizes.
By focusing on listening to the body’s natural signals, it becomes possible to enjoy the festivities without succumbing to overeating.
Kim Shapira advocates the 15-minute rule, a simple but powerful technique. If you eat half of the plate and take at least 15 minutes to enjoy each bite, the body signals the feeling of satiety. This is the time needed for the hypothalamus, the center of appetite and satiety, to receive signals from the stomach.
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“I recommend waiting 15 minutes, listening to yourself and seeing if you need more food or if you’re just eating because it’s fun or tasty. If so, save the rest for another meal,” she advises. This approach encourages a healthier relationship with food by avoiding cycles of restriction and excess.
Kim Shapira also encourages the release of emotional baggage related to food, thereby removing guilt and fixation on certain foods. For her, any food is simply food, to be eaten when hunger strikes. By adopting a conscious attitude towards food, it becomes possible to celebrate festivities without falling into the trap of overconsumption.
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“Mindful eating encourages the body to follow its intuition and choose foods that are satisfying, enjoyable and nutritious,” she explains. This approach allows us to move away from the all-or-nothing pattern often associated with strict diets, encouraging consistency in food choices.
During this special and festive time, Kim Shapira emphasizes the importance of maintaining simple, healthy routines, such as daily walking and adequate hydration. Instead of imposing strict rules, she encourages us to appreciate every moment and not strive for perfection.
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“If you try to be perfect and you’re not, it will make you quit. Allow yourself to enjoy food and not be perfect,” concludes the expert.
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With this balanced approach, the holidays become an opportunity to celebrate without compromising our well-being, providing a new perspective on how we can fully enjoy the holiday season while taking care of our health.
Source: www.sitoireseto.com
