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December is an interesting month for me as a Dietitian in private practice. I find that my clients fall in to two categories during the holiday season: the Brave and Balanced client (BB), OR the All or Nothing client (AN). My BB clients embrace the holidays and all of the tasty treats that it brings. And, in most cases, they are fully aware that they may over-indulge- more than once. And they’re ok with this! As am I!  They don’t beat themselves up for having one, two or even three desserts at a holiday party or for going back for seconds at Christmas dinner... even if they are full! These clients are the most successful clients that I see in my practice. Whether their goal is to achieve a healthy balanced diet, lose weight or increase their energy levels, they are successful! Not because they follow a restrictive diet that forbids “cheating”, but because they welcome occasional “cheating” and DON’T follow an unrealistic or restrictive diet plan. They celebrate the small  changes that they make and ultimately see BIG results. They are able to “role with the punches” that lifestyle change brings. With these clients, it is ok to fall off track – they just get right back on.

My AN clients on the other hand, come into my office and immediately list off what they “failed at doing” since they last saw me. They forget to mention all of the POSITIVE changes that they’ve made. They are "all or nothing thinkers". Most of these clients fear the holidays more than anything, because it will be THAT much harder to resist tempting treats. They either go ALL OUT and call the holidays a “right off” and are riddled with guilt, or they over-restrict and miss out on all of the enjoyment that holiday food brings.

As humans, we don’t do well with restriction. In fact, restricting will only make us want more. A lot more! If someone told me that I could never have one of my Mom’s homemade cookies or my favourite chocolates again, I would likely hoard cookies and chocolate and overeat at every chance I got!

Do yourself a favour this holiday season, ENJOY!! Don’t feel guilty for indulging in your favourite foods, drinks and desserts. Don’t beat yourself up for having seconds at Christmas dinner. Enjoy your family and friends and the beautiful food that the holidays offer. Give yourself permission to cheat and don’t feel guilty because of it. This is key to being an intuitive and healthful eater. Happy Holidays!