My RESTART participants report many amazing benefits from the program.

They learn to make conscious food choices.

Then they start making more conscious choices in every area of their lives and being present in the moment.

They learn that food is to be enjoyed.

The Result?  They feel good about their body.

They appreciate and enjoy life much more.

They don’t worry about overindulging or eating too many desserts or junk food at gatherings because they have a plan.

They enjoy relaxing and eating and being with others, knowing they’re taking care of their bodies on a deeper level.

As we approach The Holidays, it’s even more important to have a plan.

Let me help you enjoy food and time with family and friends.

Try these tips (adapted from the RESTART^® Program) for enjoying the holidays!

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1. Make all your choices conscious ones. Follow the RESTART Rule “Whatever I eat, I choose it consciously, I enjoy it thoroughly, then I let it go.”   

If you chose to have something you wouldn’t normally have, know there may be consequences (bloating, gas, interrupted sleep, adult acne), and let that be okay.  No feeling guilty or beating yourself up.

And no rationalizing when making choices that you’ll just workout more the next day.  Exercising to compensate for overeating doesn’t work.  But that’s a topic for another blog.

2. If you are going to an event with a lot of desserts, eat before you go.  Have a good balance of proteins, fats and carbs so that you are not overly hungry when you get there.

3. Before you take the first bite, take a few slow, deep breaths, and give thanks.  Make sure you’re relaxed and eat slow.  This is the only way you can properly digest and benefit from this tasty food.

4. Remember to chew, chew, chew your food.  Put your fork down between bites.  Taste and appreciate those wonderful flavors.  This will also help your digestive system to work effectively.

5. Stay hydrated with water throughout he day.  Then sip small amounts of your beverage of choice during the meal.  Drinking too much during or right after a meal can dilute your digestive juices so that food stays in your stomach too long and doesn’t get broken down properly.

6. Don’t linger around the food where you might be tempted to go back for seconds, or thirds, or simply feel out of control.  Instead, move away from the food after eating. Go sit in the living room, go for a walk, or play a game with the family. Do something to break away from the food and the kitchen.

7. Find time for movement every day.  Take a walk, build a snowman, go to the gym, dance, or move however your body likes.  This essential for cleansing the body.  Even just a little.   Your body, heart, mind and spirit will thank you.

8. Above all, enjoy your time with family and friends.  Instead of letting the food take center stage, focus on the people you are with. We often get so focused on the things that “have to get done,” that we forget why we’re doing them in the first place.  Give someone a genuine compliment.  Enjoy the wonderful food, but truly be present and enjoy the day and the people.

If you went to someone’s home, take a few minutes to send them a thank you note — on real paper, with a pen, and a stamp on the envelope and everything!   😊

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And start planning for the new year.  Sign up now for my next RESTART class that begins in January!

Peace and grace,

Karen

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His steadfast love endures forever!…”  Psalm 118