If you’re anything like me, your diet has the potential to resemble the diet of Buddy the Elf during the holiday season. That is one of my favorite Christmas movies coming in second right behind Miracle on 34th Street. Spoiler Alert: When Santa is proven not guilty at the end, I am absolutely crying and I clap if I'm by myself. You have to see the movie to understand.

Holiday food can bring so much joy for so many reasons. Food can trigger sweet memories that can only come through the preparation and indulgence of it. It's a beautiful thing! But sometimes food can serve as a doorway into guilt and regret. I am convinced we can freely enjoy this season, including the delicious food it brings.

Eat what you love! Don't just eat it because it's there. Don't waste your time on foods you don't particularly love. If you're more selective in your choices, you can enjoy your favorites even more.
Have a plan and set boundaries. I'm not asking you to plan every bite of food during this holiday season, but think about upcoming social gatherings where an abundance of yummy food will be available to you. If you have a party to go to that night, do yourself a favor, have nutrient rich meals and snacks throughout the day.
Don't skip meals! Fasting before a heavy meal may seem like a novel idea, but it can do more damage than good. Low blood sugar from hunger increases cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone that helps your body sustain homeostasis (maintaining internal stability). One of it’s functions is to raise your blood sugar. Fasting will make eating more of a task than an enjoyable activity. However, I do believe there is a time and a place for fasting, but maybe not before a holiday meal.
Don't feel obligated to eat everything you're offered. Some people truly love others through the preparation of food. If that someone offers you something and you are truly stuffed, tell them you'd love to take it home and save it for later. Then, just throw it in the trash. I'M KIDDING. You can save it for later or (maybe) freeze it!
"Bring a delicious salad" said the dietitian. Seriously though, if no one else is bringing a salad, you should. I'm not saying you have to eat only the salad! I can promise you, there will be people there that will be thankful. Get a portion of those traditional, rich dishes you love and enjoy them with a side salad. Your body will thank you later. Also, it doesn't have to be a sea of leafy greens. Add seasonal fruits and nuts or bring a fruit salad.
Make decisions based on truth and not guilt. Choosing not to eat something because you will feel guilty later is not freedom. Freedom is being empowered to make wise, healthy decisions, not being deprived of unhealthy options. The truth is that you are allowed to enjoy holiday food and please God at the same time.
Go to your gathering to gather. (I believe this is the most important tip.) The point of a gathering is to spend time with the people there and, most of the time, enjoy delicious food with one another. Don't allow yourself to be consumed with thoughts about food, like how much you can or cannot have. Take those thoughts captive and focus on the people around you. Strike up conversation with someone and stop focusing on yourself so much. I know that's hard to hear, but this is a very self-focused issue and it will benefit you to stop thinking of your own issues and invest in someone else in that moment.

Proverbs 14:6 can be interpreted many different ways. It allows me to look at my gluten-free, vegetarian, paleo friends and say "bless you, my friend, and all of your food endeavors." I don't believe there is one diet that works best for every person on this earth.

Those who eat any kind of food do so to honor the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who refuse to eat certain foods also want to please the Lord and give thanks to God.
Proverbs 14:6 (NLT)

We all have our own convictions about food. Not one person's theory on food is the same as another. The most important thing we can do in making decisions about food is to "want to please the Lord and give thanks to God." Also, food choices are not always a matter of the heart, but purely a decision based on personal physiological needs. Some people cannot tolerate certain foods, and they are not required to justify to anyone why they are avoiding those foods. I can guarantee someone is going to judge your food-related decisions, good or bad. Some may admire your decisions, and some may be offended by them. If people have a problem with your food choices, that's exactly what it is, their problem. Remember, we all have our own convictions about food. Let them judge you, if they will. You've got your hands full not judging them for choosing to eat whatever you just declined.

Who are you pleasing in your decisions about food?

I am challenging us to take time to think and pray over our decisions during this season and then…STOP. Don't allow yourself to think excessively about what you will or will not eat. This is a season for us to focus on the birth of a King that gives us the freedom to make life-giving choices, including choices about food. He cares about these details of our lives and he sees how we honor Him in the smallest of ways. You don’t necessarily have to honor Him by declining fudge, but we honor Him by listening. Ask Him to guide you in these decisions and then listen.

I hope you all have the most amazing Christmas!

A healthy lifestyle has been a deeply personal journey for me and it is the same for all of you. The reflections on this blog are observations I have made through my own experiences. They are not intended as medical or dietary advice. You should consult with your physician before making any radical dietary changes. Please contact me if you are interested in dietary advice that is customized to your needs.