If you normally panic at the thought of the “harvest” season—Thanksgiving—and the “holiday” season—Christmas and the New Year—don’t you think it’s time to reframe things? Stop the panic and start the enjoyment? I have to be honest in saying that I have not gained an ounce in the past few years over the holidays because of a shift in my perspective. I haven’t starved myself or deprived myself of social situations—no way! Balancing the good with the not-so-good is really all we ever expect, and if you constantly think negatively of the foods that you may eat and the eggnog that you might consume, perhaps it’s time to reframe it all.

Exercise—Balancing your consumption with physical activity is important. Not only will the activity burn some of the extra calories that you take in but maintaining your fitness routine will also help you to stay “on the rails.” We all tend to eat better when we are “on” our exercise program. Do something every day, whether it’s Thanksgiving weekend or the Christmas week—just move.

Experiment—With the festivities, hosts and hostesses pull out all stops. Often we are presented with new recipes and wonderful creations. If there is something new to try, by all means, try it! One of the things that I do is choose the different item over something I am more familiar with. Buffets are wonderful opportunities to select those items you would not normally prepare yourself. There are often vegetables and relatively “clean” foods (not overly processed, not deep fried or drenched in sauces or cheese), so start your plate with these things and then select a few items that you would really like to try that are not familiar to you.

Eliminate—At a sit-down dinner, there are usually many items, including lots of vegetables and lean meat (fish, turkey, and ham are common). These are great main events to your plate. The question is, do you want to have potatoes and a dinner roll, or would you prefer one over the other, or neither to make room for something else? It’s not about avoiding food, but just choosing what you really want to have, and eliminating the things that you have tried before. How much gravy is necessary? What are you looking for in a gravy or sauce? To lose the flavour of what lies below or simply accent it?

Expectations—If you have ever eaten something seriously delicious but that seriously talks back to you for the rest of the evening, then, very simply, avoid these things. You know what they are, you have experience with them, you can expect that nothing has changed, and that you will regret your decision if you do eat/drink them, so just don’t have them. Deep-fried anything comes to mind for me. Anything made with sweetened condensed milk also comes to mind. What is it for you?

Evaluate—It has been shown that the buffet doesn’t have to be an out-of-control feast. Those people that “cruise” the selection first and assess what is available before they start their selections fill their plate less than people who simply get into line and start serving. In the same study, it was found that diners who faced the buffet table while eating dinner went back for more refills than those who sat away from and with their backs to the buffet line. Consider your positioning.

The big part of getting together for special occasions is the getting together part. We focus on the food and drink because that’s our choice (and very possibly, our conditioning), so what about approaching with a new perspective? Who are you going to see? What is going on in their lives? Who is there that you haven’t seen for a long time? Focus on the purpose of the getting together instead of the byproduct of getting together. Enjoy the food and drink, focus on the new rather than the tried and true, and don’t forget to get outside and play!

Happy Holidays.