Are you recovered from your Thanksgiving food hangover yet? I hate reading blog posts that only make you feel guilty about indulging during the holidays, so you won’t read that here!
Celebrating to me, means getting together with friends and family over a meal and a few cocktails. Do I feel guilty about it – NO! Do I enjoy myself – YES! Here is where it gets tricky, I try to not look at food as a punishment or a reward. You probably read that too quickly, so let’s give it another shot: I try to not look at food as a punishment or a reward. Everything you ingest has a purpose and a place within your body. It is fuel for your cells and nothing more. Some foods are better sources of fuel (healthy fats, lean proteins, etc.). Some foods are not (hydrogenated oils, sugar, etc.), but they are delicious! Okay, back on track, just as you shouldn’t feel guilty for eating a cupcake, you shouldn’t reward yourself with one if you had a great workout that morning.
I don’t know how many grams of protein YOU need. I don’t know if that cupcake works into your day, only YOU do. I am a firm believer in everything in moderation, getting in your fruits and veggies daily, and not depriving yourself. That doesn’t mean you should have 12 candy bars for dinner, but if you do – it is not a punishment or a reward, just a not so great choice of fuel for your body.
Sometimes a little shift in our perception can lead you on a clearer path to health and well being.
Cheers!
Angela