It's Christmas Eve. Even if you don't celebrate the holiday, it's a nice time of year. We take vacations, spend time with friends and family, and if all goes as planned, we nurture those we love with food and time spent together. It's a time to celebrate the abundance of life, and share and take care of those in need. Whether you're giving or receiving, feel good for your good fortune.
Alas, this can also be a time of year when we focus on what we haven't accomplished during the year, what we haven't done right, and what we don't have or can't give others. We negate the joy of the celebration of abundance by feeling guilty about what we eat, or the exercise we haven't done. Which leads, of course, to more eating. and more guilt.
At this time of year there really aren't any feel bad foods. But there can be too much of the foods that celebrate abundance and make us feel good when eaten in small amounts. On these very special occasions, my advise is to eat what you truly enjoy, and then make sure to take some of your time to take care of or share with others. This makes you feel incredibly good, and gets you out of thinking about feeding yourself, and focused on making sure that others who might not have food to eat can also share in the joy of the season.
Take food to a food bank, drop in at a soup kitchen, find out how you can help pack brown bags for those who don't have anywhere to sleep. Call the social services department of your city to see where help is needed. Then carry this activity out throughout the year.
I find that doing for others clears my head and reminds me how incredibly fortunate I am. It also drives me to take care of myself, so that I am fully present to take care of those around me.
So don't be bogged down with guilt this season. Enjoy eating and celebrating. And share your joy with those who might not have it without you. You will find that these truly are days to feel great.
Have a Healthy and Festive Season!
Yours in a Good Mood,
Dr. Susan Kleiner