The holiday season is in full swing. Here in New York, the lights have been lit on the tree in Rockefeller Center, Santas are ringing their bells for donations for the needy, invitations are in the mail and cyberspace for the annual office parties, and we are making our lists and checking them twice. We have a lot on our plates, metaphorically speaking.

The morning talk shows are reminding us that we can expect a 6 – 14 lb weight gain during this season of joy. For many, this is not so joyous – neither are the stressful triggers that the abundance of food, family and shopping can bring up. The experts are telling us we need to make better food choices; eat this, not that. The fitness gurus tell us how long we need to run on the treadmill to burn off that champagne cocktail or piece of pecan pie.

What follows is a more positive and empowering approach; no punishing exercise, restricting and deprivation required. In fact, what I am asking you to do requires adding to your plate and devouring it!

• Slow down and breathe. Breath grounds us – it creates a relaxation response, which allows us to be present in an inner world of calm. When present, we can take the time to appreciate the abundance and at the same time, let go of the clutter that is no longer useful.
• Be mindful of what you are eating. This doesn’t mean think about every morsel you are putting into your mouth or obsess over the calories and fat content. Mindfulness at the table refers to being present so that you experience the food in a way that includes both mind and body. Your mind will pick up on the sensual complexities of the food; the smell, taste and texture while your body sends the message of fullness and satiety. Take the time to feel the brilliance of the body. When we make food choices based on the thoughts in our heads, we miss the input from our bodies.
• When you eat – EAT. Pleasure yourself, allow for the indulgence. One of the reasons so many of us overeat during the holidays is that we don’t allow for such pleasure in the first place. If we don’t get the pleasure we seek from food, partly because we are feeling guilty or simply not present, the pleasure seeking urges of our brains compel us to eat more. Reward yourself with the PLEASURE of food and your body will reward you with complete nourishment.
• Add a dose of spirituality to your plate. To quote my teacher, Marc David, “Spirituality is the new super-food”. It is the antidote to our unrelenting obsession with food and it’s impact on our bodies. We can get so wrapped up in thoughts about what food is going to do to us that we forget to celebrate the life we have and accept and love what is. Do you label yourself Paleo or Vegan, Raw or Juice cleansed?, Do these labels define who you really are?
• Bring your best self to the table of life; devour the ones you love, listen to how the universe is calling you to give and honor the sacred space within yourself that you can always go home to.

With love and warmest wishes for a wonderful holiday season.