by Mike Thomas, NBHWC November 23, 2023
Navigating the holiday season can be a bit like tackling a tricky puzzle, especially for those committed to a plant-based lifestyle. With its festive gatherings, tempting treats, and the added stress that often comes with the celebrations, it can be a challenging time. But fear not! In this discussion, we’ll explore specific strategies to help you maintain a plant-strong lifestyle during this joyful yet potentially trying period.
As we embark on this journey, it’s essential to recognize that this blog is reaching you on Thanksgiving Day, 2023. Between today and January 2nd, there are precisely 40 days – a timeframe that presents unique difficulties for those dedicated to a plant-based diet during the holiday season. However, don’t let that stress you out. Instead of aiming for perfection, let’s focus on being “better,” a mindset I often encourage my clients to adopt.
Challenges of Clean Eating during Holidays
The holiday season, filled with joy, laughter, and mouthwatering food, can pose challenges for those following a Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB) diet. It may seem like navigating through a maze with extra tricky pieces, but this blog is here to guide you through the intricacies of maintaining a WFPB diet during the holidays. So, let’s unravel the puzzle and discover ways to make your plant-based journey smoother and more enjoyable.
So, what makes this time of year a bit more complicated for plant-based eaters? Well, let’s unwrap four of the more challenges faced during the holidays.
The Stress Factor
The holiday season isn’t just about jingling bells and shiny lights; it can also bring some extra stress. With presents to buy, decorations to hang, and events to attend, stress can creep in faster than Santa on Christmas Eve. So much to do and very little time adds to even more stress. Time, finances, and juggling commitments only add fuel to the fire of stress
Limited Plant-Based Options
At holiday gatherings, the dinner table might look like a parade of turkeys, hams, and other animal-based dishes. Finding plant-based options can feel like trying to spot a snowflake in a blizzard. Adding to that, “what will others think?” leads to the next challenge of social pressures.
Social Pressures
There’s this unspoken rule during the holidays that says you must eat everything on your plate, especially if it’s handed to you by Grandma. Navigating these social expectations can be very tricky.
Tempting (Less Than Healthy) Treats
Oh, the temptations! From gingerbread houses to candy canes, the holidays have a way of filling our surroundings with sugary, less-than-healthy treats that seem to be calling our names.
So, What Can You Do?
Superpower Stress-Busters
Deep Breaths: Take a few deep breaths when stress hits. Inhale the holiday spirit, exhale the stress.
Fun Breaks: Schedule short breaks for fun activities. Whether it’s building a snowman or dancing to your favorite holiday tunes, find moments of joy.
Scavenger Hunt for Plant-Based Goodies
Bring a Dish: Offer to bring a plant-based dish to share. It ensures you have something delicious to eat and introduces others to the wonders of plant-based food.
Communication is Key: Talk to the host beforehand. Let them know about your dietary preferences so they can make accommodations.
Social Sidekick Strategies
Kind Conversations: Explain your choices kindly if someone questions your plant-based preference. You can say, “I’m choosing plant-based for my health, and it makes me feel great!”
Stay True to You: Remember, it’s okay to say no. Peer pressure is like a snowball – it gets smaller when you stand your ground.
4. Treats, But Make Them Healthy:
Fruit Magic: Embrace the sweetness of fruits. Try making fruit kabobs or a fruit salad as a healthy and tasty alternative.
DIY Deliciousness: Create your own healthier versions of holiday treats. How about making plant-based cookies or dark chocolate-covered nuts?
Navigating the challenges of a WFPB diet during the holidays may seem like a snowy journey, but with these simple strategies, you can sleigh through the season without compromising your plant-based goals. Remember, you’re the captain of your holiday sleigh, steering it towards health and happiness!
B- Minus Work
I’d like to share a mindset that could help for a smooth ride through the holidays! You don’t have to be Mr. or Ms. Perfect during the holidays. Instead of aiming for perfection, aim to be good. Now, this might sound a bit backward, but it works wonders for many people. Here’s the trick: it might not work the same for everyone, and that’s okay. It’s like finding the right strategy that suits you.
Self-Awareness
First things first, you need to know yourself. Think of it like knowing what kind of toppings you like on your pizza before ordering. Once you’ve got a strong sense of who you are, then you can decide on your approach.
So, what’s this idea of doing “B-” level work? Well, it’s like aiming for that solid grade instead of stressing out for an A+. This helps certain people a lot. It’s like giving yourself a pat on the back for a job well done without diving into the negative pool of shame and insecurity. Nobody needs that!
BJ Fogg, a PhD who wrote the book, “Tiny Habits,” talks about this. Fogg says people zoom through changes and improvements faster when they feel good rather than feeling bad. It’s like cruising on a skateboard downhill instead of trying to push it uphill. Feeling good propels you forward.
So, remember, during the holidays, cut yourself some slack. Aim for the good, not the perfect. It’s like acing life without stressing about every little detail. And hey, feeling good about what you’re doing? That’s the secret sauce to making progress at warp speed. Keep it positive.
Importance of approaching the holiday season with intention, mindfulness, and the support of a community. The idea of shared experiences and mutual support becomes a central theme, reinforcing the notion that navigating a plant-based holiday season is more manageable with a supportive network. Recently, I had a Zoom call with individuals interested in sharing both their wellness goals and their strategies to maintain a healthy amount of plant-based eating during the Holiday Season: Feel free to give it a look.
Remember, that the holiday season is also about enjoying the company of loved ones and celebrating together. Focus on the joy of the season and the reasons why you’ve chosen a plant-based diet. Your WHY is huge! When you do, you’ll find it easier to stick to your dietary choices.
Where are you challenged most in maintaining your wellness goals during the Holiday season? What do you do to overcome this challenge? Please let me now in the comments below.
You got this!!
Happy Thanksgiving!
This blog is for educational and informational purposes only and solely as a self-help tool for your own use. I am not providing medical, psychological, or nutrition therapy advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your own medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of your own medical practitioner and/or mental health provider about your specific health situation. For my full Disclaimer, please go to CoachMikeThomas.com.