Happy Mindful Eating This Fall

Football tailgating, holiday parties, trick-or treating, fall festivals, dessert tables, and holiday meals. You name it. There are a lot of opportunities to practice mindful and intuitive eating during the holidays from October until Valentine's day. Here are some tips to help.

• Incorporate holiday flavors into your meals, including: pumpkin, butternut squash, acorn squash, cranberries, pomegranates, nuts or pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin spice, peppermint, rosemary
• Prevent going to a gathering hungry
  • Avoid skipping a meal or long gaps before the party
  • Acknowledge hunger through the day
  • Choose meals with substantial protein
• Buy Halloween candy the day before Halloween
  • Donate abundant leftovers to your church, spouse's work, or child's school
• Clean up food after everyone eats vs. an on going buffet
  • If you are hosting, have to-go containers ready for guest to pack and take.
• Plan non-food focus fall activities.
  • Nature walks to collect acorns, colorful leaves, or pinecones to fill a decorative tray or to use for crafting
  • Rake and play in leaves
  • Choose Halloween or a holiday playlist during your workouts
• Remember self-care during the holidays
  • Take time to unwind, relax, and pamper yourself