1. Don’t skip meals in preparation for a holiday meal. When we restrict what we eat to “save up” for a holiday meal, we are more likely to overcompensate out of being overly hungry at that meal.  Staying fed throughout the day helps you arrive at the meal connected to your body’s cues, not overly hungry or disconnected.”

2. Enjoy all the foods – Holidays meals can be rich in tradition. Let your plate include a mix of tradition, flavor, nourishment, and satisfaction. Remember that most of the foods offered at a holiday meal can be consumed any time of the year. This mindset can help reduce the urge to overeat and increase meal satisfaction.

3. Remember, you don’t have to finish your plate – Check in with how your body feels. You can stop when comfortably full or keep eating if the food is still tasting good and you’re wanting more.

4. Enjoy the foods you love and pass on the ones you don’t – A buffet style meal can feel overwhelming. Let satisfaction guide your choices. Choose what looks and sounds good, and leave the things that don’t.

5. Find pleasure in things other than food – The holiday season isn’t just about good food. There are many other pleasurable things to see, do, and experience – spend time with loved ones, cozy up with a holiday movie, do a festive craft, or partake in your favorite winter activity.

6. Manage holiday stress – The holidays can be stressful. Remember to take care of yourself by fueling well, getting adequate sleep, and doing activities you enjoy. If things start to get stressful, ask yourself – what am I feeling? What do I need?

7. Be present – Let yourself fully experience the meal, the flavors, the conversations, and connections with your loved ones.

8. Warm up with movement you enjoy – Bundle up and go for a walk, try out a new yoga or dance class, or catch up on your favorite show while walking on a treadmill. This may even help reduce some of the holiday stress!