A special message from the Students’ Union at DBS:

From festive holiday feasts to champagne and wine-filled parties, there is plenty of temptation this time of year. Shopping during the holidays, hosting out-of-town visitors, and attending a lot of social gatherings can all make us eat without thinking, not paying attention to what and how much food we really need.

Some tips for eating mindfully and being kind to yourself this holiday:

1. Reflect.

Before you begin eating, take a moment to reflect upon how you feel. Are you rushed? Stressed? Sad? Bored? Hungry? What are your wants, and what are your needs? Distinguish between the two. You can decide then if you are hungry, what you are hungry for, and in what way you want to eat following this moment of reflection.

2. Give gratitude.

Before you start to eat, pause, and take a moment to acknowledge the hard labour that went into providing your meal — be it thanks to the farmers, the factory workers, the animals, the Earth, the chefs, or even your companions at the table.

3. Fit in your favourites.

No food is on the naughty list. Don’t deny yourself your favourite treats this Christmas just compromise, use exercise to make yourself feel better and not make you feel guilty. Eat your healthy meals throughout the day and you can then treat yourself with a nice dessert after dinner. 

4. Keep moving.

During this busy time of year, you may not have time to keep up with your physical activity. The secret to coping with these holiday stresses is to be active; it can counteract the excess calories you'll eat and reduce stress. Taking a stroll after the meal with family and friends is a good way to get moving.

5. Get your zzz’s.

Many people cut back on sleep when they go out more or stay out later. A lack of sleep can cause you to have trouble managing your blood sugar, and sleep deprivation will make you crave high-fat, high-sugar foods. To prevent mindless eating, you should aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.

Most of all, remember what the season is about celebrating and connecting with the people you care about. When you focus more on the fun, it’s easier to focus less on the food.