By Brian Kang
The holidays. A time of the 4 F’s: family, friends, festivities, and food. It seems like the former 3 F’s are just a catalyst for the latter. When one is surrounded by family, friends, and festivities, food essentially becomes part of the subconscious. It starts with some ham, a turkey leg, some stuffing, a few dinner rolls, some cheese and crackers, and maybe a glass of eggnog to wash it all down. And before you know it, only 15 minutes after sitting down, the plate is empty, and so is your stomach, grumbling and growling and asking for more.
And so, not-so-unwillingly (as you yourself wouldn’t mind another helping of food), you shuffle back over to the dinner table and grab a few more helpings of food. And thus begins the seemingly endless cycle of filling up the plate, wiping it clean, and going back for more, until you slowly drift into the inevitable food coma with your stomach feeling like it’s expanded nearly five times its size.
A prime rib I practiced controlled indulgence on last Christmas.
Yet, there’s nothing inherently wrong with indulging during the holidays. It is the holidays, after all. Nothing supersedes good company and good food. However, what is still important is maintaining consistency with your fitness goals and being aware of moderation.
Regardless of how diligently you decide to indulge during the holidays, make sure that things are being done with controlled indulgence (somewhat of an oxymoron, yes). Extremely full but that last slice of pecan pie looks too good to pass up? Wrap it up and eat it once you feel less full, or if your desire for pecan pie has disappeared by then, eat it the next day. You want to get a taste of everything despite the overwhelming plethora of food on the table? Keep in mind you want to eat a bit of everything and get a manageable helping of each dish so that you can still be satisfied without feeling overly full. Exercise healthy self-control while continuing to incorporate your workout routine anywhere from 2-5 times a week, and now you can enjoy the holidays, keep up with your fitness goals, and avoid feeling that post-holiday meal guilt.
Remember, the holidays are time to celebrate and indulge in the joys of life. Meals should be enjoyed in the company of family and friends without the subconscious worry of whether you’re staying on track with your fitness goals. You can indulge, but preferably in a healthy, controlled manner.