Nowadays, over-indulgence has become as much a part of Christmas as presents, mulled wine and twinkling lights. We stuff our faces with minced pies and over-do-it with chocolate. We tell ourselves we’re allowed because it’s the festive season. But if we’re honest with ourselves, how much do we actually enjoy it? Do we enjoy feeling heavy, lethargic and generally pretty toxic? Because even though we might convince ourselves that over-indulging is a way of treating ourselves, the truth is that it actually leaves us feeling like rubbish.
The usual Christmas fare is generally stodgy and full of saturated fats and refined sugars. All of which leaves us feeling less like celebrating and more like flopping down in bed and hibernating until it’s all over. Let’s face it, it’s pretty difficult to be the face of Christmas cheer, when you’re feeling puffy and bloated before you’ve even sat down to your turkey dinner.
If the price you pay for the fun of Christmas is feeling utterly exhausted and putting on a stone in weight, than maybe it’s time to do things a little differently. Be adventurous and start your own new tradition of Christmas fare; food that gives you energy, vibrancy and actually leaves you feeling good about yourself.
It takes courage, as it can be difficult to go against the grain when all around you are eating turkey. But remember, that you don’t have to take an all-or-nothing approach. It doesn’t have to be all raw, but you’d feel great if you included a lot. For example, instead of turkey have a raw nut loaf with lots of raw festive root veg, a lovely fresh salad, a few roast potatoes and gravy.
Although you may feel that you’re depriving yourself, ask yourself what are you depriving yourself of? It’s time to start looking at things in a different way. What you’re actually doing is enhancing your enjoyment of Christmas, because you’re eating food that makes you feel light and energised. And you’re making fabulously healthy choices. There are loads of yummy raw Christmas treats to keep you feeling merry and full of Christmas cheer.
Start listening to your body, and take real steps towards a healthier and happier Christmas. Indulging in lots of delicious raw food this Christmas instead of the usual stodgy fare, is the most amazing gift that you can choose to give yourself. And it’s a gift that keeps on giving all the way to New Year and beyond!
Lauren
This is a great post and something that I can really relate to! I am always being told to treat myself and stop being strict about what I am eating, but truth is when I do ‘treat’ myself I often end up feeling bloated, tired and miserable. Isn’t a treat supposed to be a good thing? Eating raw food is a treat in itself! x
admin
That’s so true Lauren! x