Sweet Freedom: Navigating the Holiday Sugar Rush

Part of the joy of the Christmas season is the opportunity to gather with friends and family to celebrate. We all have traditions to celebrate this time of year, but I’m willing to bet one tradition we all share is lots and lots of sugar. While sweet treats themselves aren’t bad-overindulging in them can lead to mood swings, weight gain, and just a heaviness in our bodies that takes away from the joy. That’s why I want to explore practical tips with you to avoid the pitfalls of overindulging in sugary delights during the holidays, setting the stage for a healthier and more intentional start to the new year.

Mindful Indulgence

The temptation to overindulge in sugary treats can be overwhelming during the holidays. It seems like everywhere you go, sweets are in ample supply - in the breakroom at work, in office waiting areas, and of course at all the parties and events you might attend during this time. My advice is, instead of restricting yourself entirely, practice mindful indulgence. One of my favorite ways of allowing small portions of my favorite treats is the three bite rule. If there is a treat that you really would like, go ahead and have it, but only take three bites of it, savoring each bite. This not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also prevents the feeling of deprivation that often leads to overeating. I was out at a restaurant last week, and the four of us ordered a cheesecake that we were going to share. In the past, I would have gotten in there quickly to make sure I got some really good bites, but this time, I took one small bite, enjoyed it, and then waited until everyone else had a bite or two, before taking my second. I did take a third, and to my surprise, we ended up not finishing it, and the waiter took it away with a few bites still on the plate! That would never have happened in the past..I would have finished every last bit of it!

Smart Alternatives

I love Christmas baking, and I have certain cookies in my repertoire that I bake every year. My kids would revolt if they knew I was changing my recipes, so this year, I am going to secretly swap out some of the sugar in a few recipes with a monkfruit/erythritol sweetener and see if they notice. I also am going to try a fudge recipe from Danielle Walker’s Celebration Cookbook (my FAVORITE holiday cookbook). Let me know in the comments of any holiday treats you make that are healthier for you. Smart choices can be just as delicious and satisfying, without the subsequent sugar crash.

Social Support

My family all knows that I am on a quest to improve my physical health, and are more than willing to help me.  One way I ask them to support me is when we head to an event, I usually tell my husband what I am going to eat/not eat ahead of time so I have some accountability for my choices. I will even tell him if we are going out to eat what I plan on ordering. Most of the time I will follow through, except that sometimes I plan to get a salmon salad, but I see someone with nachos and feel compelled to get those instead. I’m still learning, and that’s okay, every step in the journey holds value. Another way you can enlist your support system is to help you stay active during the holidays. Remember, we are not exercising so we can eat more or because we did eat more, but because our bodies need to move. 

Understanding Triggers

What triggers you to want to eat? I’m not talking about stomach growling, it’s time for a meal. I’m talking about identifying the emotional and environmental triggers that lead to excessive sugar intake. Stress, boredom, or social pressure can influence our eating habits. For me, stress is a big trigger. Whether it’s job-related stress, or relational stress, when I am feeling it, I just want to eat something sweet. Having done four, forty day sugar fasts, I have learned more and more to take my emotional stress to the Lord and ask Him to fill me with His presence and comfort. He can fill my soul so much better than chocolate chip cookies. By understanding your triggers, you can develop healthier coping mechanisms and make intentional choices about what, when, and why you eat during the holidays.

As we navigate the sweet temptations of the season, let's embrace a balanced approach to holiday indulgence, together. The choices we make now can set the tone for a vibrant and energized start to the new year. Remember, it's not about deprivation but about making conscious choices that honor our well-being. As we anticipate the journey ahead, let's savor the joys of the season while laying the groundwork for a healthier and more intentional 2024. I will be leading a forty day sugar fast starting in January, I hope you will consider joining me on that journey! Here's to sweet freedom and a nourished, mindful holiday season!

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