Mindful eating: Three tips for the holidays

December 9, 2022

For many people, one of the best things about the holidays is the food.

From the scrumptious side dishes of creamy mashed potatoes, to the decadent desserts of apple pies and all the laughs in between. Yet, the holidays can get so busy with shopping, entertaining, decorating and going out to celebrate that we often forget to take time to relax and enjoy the season.

It is helpful to take time to pause and reflect. This reflection is sometimes referred to as mindfulness.

The term “mindfulness” was defined by Jon Kabat-Zinn as “paying attention in a particular way, on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.” According to an article in the Diabetes Spectrum journal, “the practice of mindfulness has helped thousands of people to live more intentionally and develop the skills necessary to manage chronic pain, disease, depression, sleeping problems, and anxiety.”

Developing a mindfulness practice, especially mindful eating, may be helpful when holiday parties and dinner invitations abound.

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