BY RACHEL MARY RILEY
As some would say food is a comfort to the soul, but do you know that food can control the soul? Having comfort food during the holidays is great, however, it should not control you. Being aware of not indulging in holiday dishes and special treats can prevent your ability to maintain your weight. Yes, life is short, so enjoy, but set balance, set boundaries within yourself, know your limits and discipline your mind, especially if you are going out to dinner with family and friends or you are home for the holidays by yourself.
Enjoy, but do not overdo, especially if you’re trying to stay on budget. Be mindful of where you are and where you want to be after the holidays. People will say, “Take some more; eat and enjoy it,” but after eating the favourite dishes don’t you notice you feel guilty.
Back in 2020, I spent the holidays in my apartment. My mom had offered some comforting dishes such as rice and peas, oxtail, green banana dumping, plantain and ackee and saltfish, then black cake, sorrel black cake, sorrel, and carrot juice. I found myself indulging and feeling so guilty afterward; it was like committing a sin. The food was great for the moment, but it wasn’t satisfying the next morning.
I noticed a continuing cycle even after the holidays and during the year when I went out, or during special occasions. I decided to take a big break from social media and examine myself to see where I was. I lost so much weight during that period of time, but I was lacking one thing even when facing difficulties and that was the discipline and the willpower to exercise self-control. Until, this date, I evaluate myself and ask myself who I am off social media, who I am when I’m tempted at the moment, where do I really want to be after I achieve my goals? If I yield to my emotions, I will never get the ideal body that I desire? So, these past couple of weeks coming closer to the holidays and winter, I have come up with some challenges to set a play to reach my goals and maintain my body weight. Maybe they can help you out.
Top Five Challenges to Endure During the Holidays
- Start with a three-day challenge, or a week, two weeks, three weeks, fourteen-days, twenty-one days, or max thirty-day challenge before the holidays
- Intermediate fasting: do it for a few hours with water and lime. This will help with bloating
- While having your holiday meals or special meals during these winter months, drink lots of green tea in between these heavy meals, or water and lime
- Keep things in moderation; if you know you are getting full stop eating and save the rest for later
- Do a lot of intense workout videos, early morning workouts before you start your day or during the day
