Being Healthy Doesn't Mean Being Perfect

Health and Wellness is a journey and, as with all of our journeys, they're not perfect. Guess what? That's ok! Being healthy doesn't mean that we have to be perfect or that we have to deprive ourselves. Especially, around the holidays. It's ok to have a piece of dessert or an extra glass of wine. And, don't beat yourself up for it.

When I work with my clients, they know they have to report back to me at our next visit and sometimes in those follow up sessions, they admit that they didn't do something or did something they're not happy about, like had a cupcake. It's usually the first thing that comes up in our conversation because they feel so bad about it. I tell them it's ok and have them reflect on all the other positive changes they've made and healthy lifestyle changes they've accomplished. Too often, we beat ourselves up for one misstep. This guilt and self shaming is actually more harmful to your health and wellness journey than the one cupcake you had at a birthday party.

I like to think that it's what we do most of the time that has an impact on our health, instead of the things we do sometimes. You may have heard of the 80/20 rule. If you are making healthy choices most of the time and being intentional about what's on your plate, then you don't have to deprive yourself of that piece of birthday cake, or this time of year, that piece of pumpkin pie....my favorite!

I do have some tips, though, to make those favorite desserts a touch "healthier" as you look into the holiday season. First, try to bake

at home. When you bake it at home, you know what goes into it instead of buying something store bought. You can make it fresh and when it's made at home, it tastes better because you make it with love! Use maple syrup or honey as a replacement for sugars. You can use these in equal measurements as sugar and they taste so much better! Beware of buying gluten free. Check the ingredients with gluten free products because they tend to have more sugars and/or fats to improve taste and help them bind.

I hope you all have a happy and healthy holiday season! Enjoy it and don't feel bad about it!