Subterms
Let me start this with the proclamation that I LOVE food. I love coming up with a menu and inviting
The post How to Enjoy the Holidays When You Struggle with Food appeared first on The Everygirl. More
We’ve made DIY hair treatments, we’ve started retinol, and we’ve even put masks on our feet. 2020 has been a year filled with self-care, but sometimes you just have to take it back to basics, and for many of us, that’s painting our nails at home. An at-home manicure isn’t the most glamorous of treats to yourself (especially if you’re used to the magic of a nail salon—after this year, I will never take that luxury for granted!), but the end result is enough to make us happy for a few days. To be honest though, I’d be lying if I said a holiday-themed manicure is exactly “self-care”; to me, it’s a way to get festive and feel in the holiday spirit. TBH, I’d say beauty and fashion is probably the best way to get in the spirit (other than Dash + Lily, which is my favorite show in the world right now). But what more could we need than holiday cheer and self-care right now? (Not much!)
Whichever reason you’re trying a new nail color this season, here are a few shades to try this year—because there’s more to a festive look than your beloved red nails.
1. Oxblood
source: @oliveandjune
2. Star Nail Art
source: @overglowedit
3. Metallic French
source: @betina_goldstein
4. Cranberry
source: @essie
5. Light Blue
source: @essie
6. Cherry Red
source: @mischobeauty
7. Glitter
… but make it 2020 and not middle school with a good top coat and groomed, filed nails!
source: @oliveandjune
8. Metallic Red
source: @holotaco
9. Evergreen
source: @emmaheartssnails More
In my experience, people either love to buy new underwear or only do it when they realize that every pair they own is from college and has a hole in it—there aren’t many people who fall in between, and if you’re the latter, well, let me be the first to tell you that it’s time for an upgrade.I totally get it: I’ve always been someone that only buys new underwear when it’s absolutely dire; but whenever I do invest in new bras and undies, I kick myself for not having done it a long time before. The fact of the matter is that underwear that make you feel amazing shouldn’t be a luxury you can’t afford—they should be something that are a part of your everyday life.
Our secret to having a drawer full of underwear we’d happily show off? BootayBag, the subscription service that we actually needed. Starting at just $10 a month, you get new underwear shipped to your mailbox every four weeks without giving it a second thought. They don’t ship you just any old underwear—your monthly bag is custom-tailored to the styles that you prefer. Only wear thongs? Their “always thong” option is for you. Prefer cheeky pairs or a mix of both? They have that too. Whatever your preferences are, there’s the perfect choice that will let you stock your underwear drawer full of pairs you’ll have a hard time choosing between.
This offer is only valid 11/27 – 11/30 for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Source: @taylor_smith_photo @katyywilson for BootayBag
BootayBag isn’t like other subscriptions that require years-long commitments—you can swap styles, skip a month (or multiple months), or cancel your subscription at any time. When I first started my subscription, I began with the four-pairs-a-month option (with a matching bralette!) to up the quantity of my collection, then moved down to two pairs a month, and now am down to the one-a-month just for maintenance. I was to completely customize my subscription for what was best for me, not abide to a catch-all number that was going to provide too many (or too few) pairs for me.
Another fun perk? Every month the styles are completely new. They coordinate with the time of year (hello, pink and red pairs in February!) and make sure you don’t keep getting the same pair twice.
As easy as it is to forget, we’re worth the little luxuries in life, and sometimes, they’re the most important to prioritize. This Christmas, I’m gifting both myself and my little sister BootayBag, so we can feel good every day, all year round. It’s the gift that will keep giving all year long.
This offer is only valid 11/27 – 11/30 for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
This post is sponsored by BootayBag, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More
Friends, three words. This Is It. There is truly no better time to shop small than now, with so many gift-giving holidays coming up. Small businesses have been hit hard this year as the pandemic kept doors closed and limited shoppers when stores were able to open. Supporting the small businesses in our community is so important all the time, but especially now, when so many are struggling.Shopping at a small business isn’t just about buying a product. You’re really making a difference for the small business owner, their employees and families, and your community. The impact is major.
The entire team here at The Everygirl loves supporting small businesses, and we hope you will too this holiday season if you’re able to do so. Today, we’re sharing our favorite small businesses from across the country and around the world and we know you’ll love them just as much as we do.
*indicates BIPOC owned businesses
From stationery and office supplies to home decor, they have you covered with everything needed for a chic and inspiring space, but the best part? They’re based right here in our favorite city, Chicago!
If you’re looking for a shop with unique, charming, items, this little shop (with two Chicago locations, if you’re in the area) is for you. They have great gifts for any occasion and by the time you leave, we’re sure you’ll have a basketful of items you’ll be obsessed with.
Look no further, this woman has it all. If you can’t decide on what to get (because, same) may we suggest the goddess body statues? They’re stunning!
There is nothing better than a matching plate set and by shopping here, you will have a piece that will never go out of style. The simplicity and quality of this product is just A+ in our book.
When we say we love personalized items, that’s an understatement because we are actually OBSESSED with them. This company has the chicest pieces and you can customize each to your liking, add an initial, special date, anything! Don’t wait on this one, get yours now.
This company is the coolest brand in knitwear. It’s (young) woman-run, the materials are sustainably sourced, the knitters are working moms in Peru earning a fair wage, and they also do a lot of charitable initiatives.
ArtLifting works with artists living with homelessness or disabilities “through the celebration and sale of their artwork.” The artwork is sold for individual as well as commercial use. The work is beautiful and there are tons of options available.
This company produces gorgeous jewelry and is a B-corp that connects “artisans in Kenya with the global market.” We love that they are using their business to change the world: by working to reduce inequality and poverty and supporting women showcasing their talents. All the designs are simple, sleek, and beautiful.
We’re blown away by the talents of Danielle Coke. She’s a one-woman show and her meaningful work lights up our Instagram feeds. We love her design style and artistic vibe as well as mission.
Baltimore-based vegan skincare company Miles of Moisture has great botanical products for every part of your skin. From cruelty-free and vegan deodorants to facial creams and serums, this women and Black-owned business puts care in every product.
Created in 2001, Oyin Handmade features hair, body, and men’s products that are gentle and cruelty-free, like their award-winning leave-in conditioner, Hair Dew, and popular Honey Wash hydrating shampoo. Led by a Black woman of color, you can now find this line nationwide in many retailers, including Rite Aid and CVS Pharmacy.
If you love a good candle, you’ll love the selection at 228 Grant Street Candle Co. From fragrances like Sweet Orange + Moroccan Spice to Tobacco + Patchouli, these soy candles are great as a unique gift for any candle-lover. Even better, a portion of their proceeds from their Candle of the Month program goes to support social justice programs and community activists.
Really good coffee and tea are sometimes hard to come by, but Compass Coffee has great signature blends for everyone. This DC-based coffee company makes their coffee from a variety of beans found around the world. They even sell their blends in K-cups and capsules, so no coffee lover is left out.
Out of Maryland, Olive & Loom has cute and unique trinkets for anyone: baby blankets, one-of-a-kind magnets, and cards with painted portraits of female icons (who doesn’t want a fridge plastered with photos of Beyoncé, Michelle Obama and the late, great RBG?) and other home and beauty products. Their specially-made gift boxes are also great gift ideas, mixing traditional pieces like tea sets with modern elements for anyone to enjoy.
This Portland, OR-based company works with local non-profits to employ womxn in the PDX area who don’t have many opportunities for employment. The womxn receive job training and make the company’s sugar-free, peanut-free nut butters, including festive flavors like Salted Eggnog and Cinnamon Snickerdoodle.
From lip balms and face masks to lotion bars, body oil, and dry shampoos, this organic skincare company has something for everyone on your list. Whether organic products in particular are important to them or they just love new skincare finds, you can’t go wrong.
Shopping for anyone who is trying to get serious about reducing their use of plastic? Blue Heron Botanicals is a great choice for skincare because the brand uses compostable and sustainable packaging whenever possible, which means you can feel good about using products from wound care to lip conditioner.
From vibrators to organic lube, oils, menstrual cups, and more, this company is about all things sexual wellness. Buy for yourself, buy for a friend.
We’re not one to nerd out over cookware, but we’re obsessed with our Our Place Always pans. It replaces eight pieces of cookware, so you can use it to sauté, fry, boil, strain, and so much more. Plus, the pans are made in ethical factories that are environmentally conscious and provide a fair wage to their teams AND use sustainable materials as often as possible, so it’s a purchase we feel good investing in.
Galerie.LA is an online store (with a stunning boutique in Los Angeles–if you live in LA, you seriously must go!) that makes sustainable shopping easy. From chic clothing to luxurious candles and beyond, it’s basically your one-stop-shop for sustainable brands and high-quality products. Plus, it was founded by a celebrity stylist. Hot tip: it’s a great spot to stock up on gifts for everyone this year.
This Brooklyn-based design studio focuses on handmade, high-quality ceramics that celebrate the multicultural heritage of its co-owners. They offer stylish dinnerware, trendy vases, and candles so pretty, you’ll want to leave them out as decor, even after the wax burns down. You’ll also want the “Vote” Mug or “BLM” Mug to show off what’s important to you (in a very trendy way!)
This beauty company creates luxury body products like body balm, bath soak, and body polish, at an affordable cost. Plus the products are as sustainable as they are effective, and will look gorgeous sitting out on your bathroom counter. The marble-based dry brush basically went viral this year (it’s that cute), and the candles are fan-favorites because of the chic marble canister and ability to replace the wax (and interchange the scents!) without getting rid of the base (#sustainable).
2020 asked for loungewear, and Club Casual answered. They make cozy, knit fabrics in items like slip dresses, pants, tanks, and rompers, so you can still feel your best while staying cozy and comfortable. FYI, each collection is made to order for each season, releasing limited styles and quantities, as to create no waste, so stock up on the items you want before they sell out. Trust us, they’re well worth the wait.
This Etsy shop is based in Philadelphia and sells natural, cold-pressed whipped body butters that are skin-softening and smoothing and smell heavenly.
Cool, chic clay earrings are abundant with this little shop. It’s woman-owned and run by Erica who makes all of this gorgeous jewelry and accessories herself.
This indie makeup line has everything you need for both bold and bright looks, but also neutrals. Inclusivity is a core value of the brand, so you’ll find products everyone can use.
This cosmetics line has everything you need for bold, unique makeup, from sparkly and duo chromatic eyeshadows to lip glosses to blinding highlighters.
If cool, unique, and fun nail colors are your thing, Cirque Colors should be on your radar. Their range is filled with cool shades and patterns (think tortoise and jade!) for trendy nails you can do at home.
Featuring inclusive and empowering messaging, the art and designs at Artsy Affirmations are printable, frameable, and super affordable. Whether you’re looking for a customized portrait, a fun pop-culture-specific print to hang in your home, or a positive reminder of your value and worth, the design duo because Artsy Affirmations has you covered. (Bonus: They love Harry Styles as much as we do!)
If you’re looking for a trendy-yet-timeless jewelry brand founded by a badass Black woman, look no further. Featuring simple classics AND bold statement-makers, this brand is sure to elevate even your most casual outfits. (Our editor Abigail wears the Mini Binge-Worthy Hoops almost every day!).
Not only is Jamika Martin, founder of ROSEN Skincare, one of our all-time favorite career role models (she started the line while she was still a college student), but she’s also working to de-stigmatize acne and scarring while treating those same skin conditions with natural ingredients. The products are effective, the packaging is stunning, and the line is ever-growing. ROSEN is sure to be a lifelong staple in the routine of anyone looking for clearer, healthier skin.
As the perfect art for anyone looking to add a touch of old-school glamour into their homes, Josh Young’s stunning pieces are statement-making and elegant. While Josh lives and works in D.C., his art evokes a certain European charm (which makes sense, as he lived in Milan for 6 years!).
These candles are the PERFECT gift for your friend who’s always crushing on a celebrity. The pop-culture-themed (and delicious-smelling) candles from Cool Girl Candles look SO chic and trendy in any home. We’re partial to the One-Direction-themed options, but love them all!
A fine artist living in Traverse City, Katherine creates the dreamiest sketches, prints, and paintings inspired by her life in Michigan. From floral calendars to large-scale figure paintings, you’ll love Katherine’s bold use of color, light, and texture.
Based in the UK, Femme Candles creates luxury, handmade candles that pay homage to the human form, featuring a shade and silhouette range we love. Snag a bundle to burn or display (or both!).
The place to go for custom, hand-lettered doormats. A gorgeous lettering style and minimalist design make Olive Creative Co.’s custom options stand out; you’ll want to snag multiple options and switch out throughout the year.
You’ve probably seen Nina’s illustrations floating around Instagram, her “Buns” and “Ponytails” prints are relatable as hell (especially in these work-from-home times). She also sells t-shirts, pins, cards, and more, all featuring her signature illustration style.
Sex never looked this chic. Maude’s collection of vibrators, body oils, condoms, lubes, massage oil candles, and more will majorly up your intimacy game—all at affordable prices. Plus, the packaging and design? A+ all around.
Bawdy’s mission is “skincare for your neglected areas” and we never knew we needed a butt mask this much. With fun packaging and an empowering message, Bawdy makes nipple, butt, and overall skincare feel fun, charming, and essential.
This Chicago-based boutique has some of our all-time favorite fashion and accessory finds (may we suggest this shirt?) and it feels so much better to buy it from a local store than a big retailer. Trust us: they’ll show you things you never knew you needed.
This fragrance company, based in DC, was created by three brothers all under the age of 15 when they wanted more money to buy video games and their parents told them to get a job (relatable!). Ten percent of all their profits go to homeless shelters nationwide, and their frequently-sold-out candles rival scents 5x their prices. We highly recommend trying out one of their holiday scents.
If you’re looking for completely unique gifts this season, look no further than Seven Sisters, a Portland-based shop (that’s currently only online) that brings together small-batch wardrobe, apothecary, and home products. Everything on their site is unlike anything you could find anywhere else—and that’s worth checking out.
Finding a really cool, unique graphic tee is no easy feat, but this site makes it easy (and most of their shirts have a deeper message behind them).
There’s never a bad time to add some classic jewelry pieces to your wardrobe, and Lola Ade will help you do that, but with a unique twist. Their pieces are both unique and super wearable, striking the sweet spot for great jewelry investments.
This is, without a doubt, some of the most beautiful cookware that we have ever seen. The woman-founded company gets its name from Judith Jones, who edited work for Julia Child and Edna Lewis (among others).
Whether you have kids yourself or you’re buying gifts for the kids of friends or family, this boutique is a great choice. Adorable clothing, cool shoes, and sweet toys will make your gifts the most popular around.
We love independent bookstores. This one allows for online ordering and will happily special-order anything for you that they don’t have already in-store.
Trendy accessories are great, but who doesn’t need classic pieces that they can wear daily? Seattle-based Lace & Pearls makes beautiful pieces that aren’t too fussy—perfect for everyday wear.
Making good (and thoughtful) gift boxes is harder than it looks, but Virginia-based Teak and Twine takes all the guesswork out. Each of their gorgeous boxes is filled with carefully selected items for a memorable and thoughtful gift.
This artist sells merch inspired by the men of One Direction (plus a few unrelated designs), so it’s perfect for all the Harry Styles stans in your life. The designs are whimsical and fun, and everything is super comfortable and high-quality.
This jewelry brand has the most stunning selection of timeless classics—including everything from essential gold hoops to coin necklaces and gold chains. The price point is the perfect middle ground of affordability and quality.
Fawn Design makes amazing faux leather bags in tons of styles and colors for all your needs. Their purses, backpacks, weekenders, totes, and more are perfect for any woman on the go.
Romy Studio’s baked clay earrings are to die for. The designs are stunning, with the color palettes being the perfect mix of neutrals and fun colors. You will not be able to decide on just one pair.
This custom jewelry makes the perfect gift for any occasion. There are tons of styles of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings in gold, silver, and rose gold finishes—and almost all pieces are customizable.
Klei Beauty is a company that gives the gift of sustainable self-care while giving back to their local community. Whether you’re looking for soothing skincare or calming bubble baths for the self-care expert (or someone who could make more time for caring for themselves), this small, women-owned business is a fave.
If you’re looking for a long-lasting gift for the jewelry lover in your life, Amarilo offers well-made, dainty gold pieces that are stackable and made with solid gold.
We love these glasses. This gorgeous (seriously: lavender champagne coupes) hand-blown glassware is perfect for the person who loves to entertain or the best friend that enjoys shaking up a cocktail.
A handbag can be a great gift for someone who lives for an accessory that holds all of their essentials. What I love about Modern Picnic, aside from their commitment to sustainability, is the brand offers bags in five sizes: the mini, the luncher, the large launcher, the snacker, and the tote—not to mention, they each come in a wealth of color options.
Literati is an independent bookstore that, pre-COVID, was once a quirky and cozy place for book lovers to convene and feel right at home. If you’re in the market for a new book (we highly suggest their staff picks) or are looking to gift a book to someone this holiday season, Literati is sure to be the perfect fit!
This Detroit clothing label is one of my favorites in the whole world. It embodies the unapologetic, raw spirit of Detroit and is a company that was built on love in response to poor media portrayal of a city that has provided so much to our nation. The brand started with their “Detroit vs. Everybody” collection but has grown to include multiple collections including “vs. COVID,” “vs. Racism,” “vs. Cancer,” and more.
This Ann Arbor-born clothing boutique is unique. The ambiance makes shopping an experience and you can trust their item picks. If you don’t live in Ann Arbor, shopping online is a very close second to being there in person!
If you’re looking for a candle that lasts and doesn’t melt away after one use, this is for you. Kai & Co. Candles are soy-based, which allow the candle to last 2x longer and allow your house to smell so good and fresh for even longer. This is a super great gift for a friend or even for yourself this holiday season.
Sunwoven Marketplace offers beautiful hand made wall art that you’ve more likely have seen all over Urban Outfitters/Pinterest to achieve that boho chic look in your home. So if you’re looking for that yourself or know a friend who can’t get enough of it, look no further—this is your one-stop shop.
Nothing beats a good deal and you know where you find those deals? Thrift stores and resell shops. Jane Dottie Vintage was created to take away the stigma of fast fashion and bring used items back to life. The shop has items ranging from jewelry, clothing items, to even stickers and masks. Sounds like a great place, right? Check it out yourself! You won’t regret it.
Prints can get quite expensive depending on what you’re looking for, but they’re not all that way. What we love about Juniper Print Shop is they have beautiful, quality-made pieces for a fraction of the price. Yes, you read that right! All you need to spice up your home is one of these pieces and you’re good to go. And it’s always a good gift. Trust us on this one.
What small businesses should we add to the list? Let us know in the comments below! More
So the leftover turkey is in the fridge, the recycling bin is full of empty wine bottles, and you’re planning to be in sweatpants for the next 48 hours because pants that button sound implausible RN. Welcome to the day after Thanksgiving, otherwise known as the day of painful bloating, undeniable sluggishness, and mild (or extreme) regret. We’ve all fallen victim to exclaiming, “I can never eat again!” after Thanksgiving dinner, or feeling lethargic and regretful for days after.It’s no surprise that the Thanksgiving detox is a popular trend following the holiday (if you’ve never heard of it, Google to find hundreds of hits). Juice cleanses boom, workout classes skyrocket, and guilt-ridden dieters download MyFitnessPal and eat salad for lunch as a means to atone for their sins. But no matter what you eat on Thanksgiving (or how much of it), a Thanksgiving detox is unnecessary (and might even be damaging). Read on for reasons you don’t need to cleanse or detox after overeating that turkey, and six things you should do instead if you are feeling uncomfortably full and sluggish the next day.
The body repairs itself
No matter how many calories you gorged or how many slices of pumpkin pie you gobbled down, the body will process everything you ate within 24-72 hours. Everything from the saliva in the mouth to the enzymes in the stomach is meant to digest food, get the nourishment it needs from that food, and then get rid of excess through waste. Gross, but true! Yes, this is anatomy 101, but it’s important to keep in mind that the body is built to repair itself. Your body will digest all that sweet potato casserole and snickerdoodles on its own, whether or not you try to help it the next day. Likewise, you don’t need juice cleanses to “flush out toxins;” it’s the liver and intestine’s job to detoxify the body, so they’ve got you covered. Bottom line: the body is meant to repair itself, and it doesn’t need cleanses or detoxes to get the job done.
Source: @celebratingsweets
A healthy diet should include indulgences
Maybe your idea of a healthy diet is specific macronutrient percentages, or maybe it’s more about what you’re not eating (no sugar, no gluten, no refined carbs, etc.). There’s a lot of confusion, uncertainty, and debate about what a “healthy diet” really means. In reality, a healthy diet looks different to every single person; it’s whatever honors what your body needs (including foods that you love), and it’s about making intuitive choices with whatever is available. Enjoying cornbread or pecan pie does not mean you “broke” a healthy diet; it simply means your healthy diet includes foods that feed your soul and honors special occasions.
Nutrition is more than just what’s on your plate
If you think your body needs a detox to help it get back to “healthy” after one meal, know that health is not just about the foods we eat. Yes, fruits and vegetables nourish the body, but so do the people we spend our time with, the music we listen to, and what we see when we scroll through Instagram. Leafy greens and lean proteins are important, but how we spend our time and who we’re around feeds us too. If you’re not also focused on the ways you’re being nourished besides the food on your plate, you’re missing key pieces of the puzzle. Keep your stress levels down, regularly indulge in activities you love, and surround yourself with people who make you happy, and your body will respond accordingly.
Source: @noelledowning
1. Listen to your body during the meal
Instead of a free-for-all come Thanksgiving at 4pm that you’ll regret the next day, why not just keep up healthy habits and listen to your body? Before eating, check in with yourself to identify what your body really wants and needs. Maybe you’re not hungry, but you would enjoy every bite of a slice of pumpkin pie because it’s your favorite holiday dessert, or maybe you realize your digestion is feeling off and you haven’t had enough veggies with your meal. Notice when you start feeling satisfied and are no longer enjoying each bite to know when to stop, rather than mindlessly eating until you’re uncomfortably stuffed. Aim for a balance of favorite holiday foods and nutrients that will make your body feel good, and stop eating when you’re satisfied.
2. Drink a lot of water
Water seems to be the cure-all for everything, and with good reason. Staying hydrated can improve energy levels, relieve digestive discomfort like constipation, and overall help you feel your best. Especially if you’re feeling hungover (whether it’s a food hangover or a real hangover), drink lots of water to ensure your body stays hydrated so that it can do all that repairing it’s meant to do. If you want to be #extra like me, I always start the morning with warm lemon water and a little ginger whenever I eat a lot the night before and my digestive system feels off. I swear that simple hack makes my body feel 100 percent better. If it’s hard for you to remember to drink water (or you’re an overachiever and want an additional challenge), try an herbal tea like peppermint, which can ease indigestion or painful bloating.
Source: @kayla_seah
3. Stretch and (gently) move the body
Please do not attempt a two-hour HIIT class first thing Friday morning as a means to “erase” or “make up for” what you ate the night before. First of all, that’s not how the body works, but also it’s unnecessary. Go on a jog or work out if it makes you feel better and your body is craving movement. But if you’re feeling sluggish and lethargic like the rest of us after Thanksgiving, try going on a walk and doing some stretches to relax the body. Movement, no matter how low-impact, can boost energy, motivation, and mental health, which is especially important if you’re feeling that post-feast food guilt.
4. Add in extra veggies
A “detox” or “cleanse” implies that you’re subtracting and streamlining your diet. Instead, you should really be thinking about how to add more nutrients to give your body what it needs to get energy and help with digestion. Vegetables are loaded with good-for-the-gut fiber and immune-boosting antioxidants that help your body stay healthy. No matter what you feel like eating for the next few days, focus on incorporating even more veggies with each meal. Have a side salad or add spinach to your omelet, get all the steamed veggie sides when ordering out, and try a green juice or veggie-packed smoothie for an afternoon snack as an added boost.
Source: @kateogata
5. Take a nap
The ultimate lazy-girl activity is healthy and a great way to help your body recover from Thanksgiving indulgences. As another example of the body repairing itself and DIY detoxing, sleep is a crucial time where the brain can cleanse itself (according to a 2013 study). A 2019 study agreed that sleep may be the key to detoxing our brains, AKA the best thing that happened to the day after Thanksgiving since the leftover turkey sandwich was invented. So if you’re feeling lethargic and don’t want to get off the couch all day, don’t force yourself to work out or be productive. Give the body time to restore and repair by getting a full 7-9 hours of sleep at night and taking a nap if your body is feeling tired during the day.
6. Indulge in some self-care
Whether the way you best care for yourself looks more like 20 minutes of meditation, dry brushing before a steaming hot shower, or approximately five different face masks, spend some extra time making yourself feel pampered and cared for the day after Thanksgiving. Not only will a little extra TLC help you feel physically better from that food coma, but it can help ease the stress from any food guilt. Remember that stress and guilt after eating are worse for your body than pumpkin pie or green bean casserole could ever be, so prioritize self-love if you’re feeling the regret kick in. Try taking a bath, reading a book that makes you happy, DIYing a spa day, or staring in the mirror and giving compliments to remind yourself that one meal (or any meal) doesn’t change how worthy you are. Detox your thoughts; your body’s already got you covered.
How will you care for yourself during the holidays? What do you think of the Thanksgiving detox? More
Turkey, gravy, pumpkin pie, green bean casserole, mac n’ cheese–it’s about time for that Thanksgiving food coma (and the guilt or anxiety that comes with it). While this feast-focused holiday is an endless parade of indulgences and carbs that will leave you sluggish for days, there is absolutely no reason to worry about what you eat on Thanksgiving (say it again for the people in the back!). One meal (or a few, if you include leftovers) won’t affect you in the long-run, but the worry about it will. The more we relate food to anxiety and use labels like “good food” and “bad food,” the less we can listen to our bodies and enjoy special occasions (which is the point, after all). Rest assured, the fear-mongering around calories and holiday meals says more about our culture than it does about our bodies. In reality, our bodies are smart; they are meant to be resilient. So go ahead: savor every last bite of that turkey or pumpkin pie, totally guilt-free. Here are 10 things to do instead of worrying:
1. Redefine what a “healthy diet” means
We all think we have a pretty good idea of the definition of a healthy diet: lots of produce, clean protein, and limited additives, carbs, or sugar. Maybe your idea of a healthy diet is as specific as macronutrient percentages or caloric limits tracked on MyFitnessPal. But in reality, a healthy diet is much more flexible than a food pyramid graphic. A healthy diet looks different to every single person; it’s whatever honors what your body needs (including foods that you love), and it’s about making good choices with whatever is available. Enjoying pumpkin pie or buttery cornbread does not mean you “broke” a healthy diet; it simply means your healthy diet includes foods that feed your soul and honors special occasions.
2. Enjoy the real thing
Sure, cauliflower mash is a delicious alternative for mashed potatoes that has some extra nutrients and maybe fewer calories. But let’s be honest: cauliflower mash is not a classic Thanksgiving food. If you live for your mom’s mashed potatoes year-round (or you just don’t appreciate cauliflower posing as potatoes), then eat the real thing. It’s one meal, which won’t affect you any more than one healthy meal would change an unhealthy diet. If you’re cooking, you can experiment with plant-based versions of classic dishes so that you feel better, but when it’s a food you love or want to enjoy, eat the damn mashed potatoes.
3. Skip what you feel meh about
You already know to load up your plate with veggies that make you feel good and to indulge in the foods you love, totally guilt-free. But those dishes and foods you feel indifferent to? If they don’t excite you, skip them. For me, cranberry sauce and gravy are just so meh. I’d rather get extra sweet potatoes and cornbread, and forego the foods or toppings that aren’t exciting. If you could take or leave the dinner rolls, skip them so you have more room for veggies that will fill you up with nutrients or the foods you’re going to enjoy every bite of. There’s no Thanksgiving rule that states you have to eat turkey, stuffing, or green bean casserole, so if you don’t love it, don’t eat it. It will allow you to be more intuitive about what you’ll truly enjoy.
4. Know that nutrition is not just what’s on your plate
If you’re still under the impression that one meal (or a few holidays) can drastically affect your body long-term, you should also know that nutrition is not only the food we eat. The music we listen to, the people we spend our time with, the shows we binge on Netflix, the accounts we follow on Instagram are all things that feed us too. If you’re not as focused on the ways you’re being fed and nourished besides the food on your plate, you’re missing key pieces of the puzzle. You could completely stop caring about diet for a day and still have lots of opportunities to nourish yourself. Focus on these other areas instead of what you’re eating.
5. Add in extra nutrients
Perhaps you’re worried about what you eat because you feel sluggish for days after Thanksgiving, or a big decadent meal can leave you feeling sick. Instead of worrying about the aftermath during the meal, show your body love by treating it with the best before and after. Have at least two meals rich in protein, healthy fats, and fiber before dinner so that your blood sugar isn’t low and you’re not starving (it will help you from overeating and prevent that sluggish feeling). For the days after, add in extra leafy greens and a variety of produce that will give your body energy. Trust that your body can repair itself, when given half the chance.
6. Change the goal to be “fulfillment” instead of “perfection”
If your goal is to avoid the “bad foods” and stay “good” (whatever the hell that means), try changing how you think about the Thanksgiving meal. Instead, the goal should be to feel satisfied and fulfilled. Focusing on what you shouldn’t eat, whether in certain foods or quantities, means you’ll obsess over what you can’t have instead of enjoying the meal (it’s true for bad boys, and it’s true for pumpkin pie). Instead of vowing not to overeat or only eat certain foods, practice intuitive eating, and eat for the sake of fulfillment and satisfaction, not perfection. You’ll eat less and stop before you’re stuffed, but, more importantly, you’ll actually enjoy the meal.
7. Take care of yourself
One way to stress less during the holidays (and especially a food-heavy holiday like Thanksgiving) is to take care of yourself like you would every other day. Get lots of sleep the night before, go through the key pieces of your morning routine that make you feel your best before turning on Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, take a bath or go for a walk if you find yourself stressed out during the day, and have a new face mask or luxurious pajamas to look forward to after the Thanksgiving feast is over. You know you should prioritize yourself 24/7, and a family holiday is no exception. Take care of yourself, and you won’t feel so out of control when it comes to food choices.
Source: @mylittlebooktique
8. Unfollow or mute any account that’s posting “diet mistakes”
Is it just me, or is everyone else’s Instagram feeds flooded about “Thanksgiving diet mistakes,” hacks on how to slash calories from traditional holiday foods like Eggnog, or “pre-Thanksgiving” workouts to earn your food. (PSA: you do not need to earn your food–not on Thanksgiving, and not ever.) The preemptive goal with this “health” advice is to prevent holiday weight gain as if it’s something we need to nip in the bud. But this messaging is “damage control,” as if the holidays are inherently damaging. Honestly, we just don’t need that kind of negativity RN. Holiday traditions and happy family meals are worth so much more than a number on a scale, and we should unfollow or mute anything that tries to make us think otherwise.
9. Listen to your body’s cues
When I tell people to “listen to their bodies and eat what their bodies want,” they often tell me they would eat all the mac n’ cheese and pumpkin muffins insight, and not pick up one vegetable or “good-for-you” food. However, when you overeat until you’re stuffed or opt for only the foods that make you feel sluggish or sick but taste delicious, that’s only in response to ingrained food rules that make the “off-limits” food sound more enticing. When we’re really in tune to our bodies’ needs, we eat until we’re satisfied (not stuffed) and crave a mixture of energizing nutrients and less nutritious foods we’ll enjoy every bite of (rather than mindlessly gobble down). Listen to what your body wants and feed it accordingly (yes, it really is that simple).
10. Bottom line: If you’re thinking about what you’re eating, you’re wasting precious time
Listen, I’ve been there: you feel stressed out the day of, knowing it’s going to be a “bad” meal. You anxiously scan the buffet table, acknowledging what you shouldn’t eat or identifying the foods you know will make you feel guilty. As everyone sits down to eat, you’re comparing your plate to your siblings’ or cousins’ as if the way other people feed their bodies somehow gives meaning to the way you feed your body. For days after, you feel guilty about little things or add in an extra workout to counteract the calories. I’m exhausted after all of that–aren’t you!?
Yes, diet culture is so ingrained in us that it’s sometimes hard to ignore, and we all want to treat our bodies well. But all of that thought, energy, and mental capacity could have been used for other things. If you’re busy worrying about your food choices, you’re missing out on time with your family or the ability to feel gratitude (AKA the point of the holiday!). If you’re stressed about eating, it’s a sign that you’re too focused on yourself. Be more engaged in the conversations with your family or call up a friend to check-in if you’re spending the day alone. If all else fails, donate money to a food bank, and you’ll remember there are bigger problems you can spend your energy on than eating too much turkey.
How do you prevent food guilt or anxiety on Thanksgiving? More
Starting with Halloween candy and ending with over-indulging in champagne on New Year’s Eve, the holiday season is loaded with temptations and traditions that promise to wreck health goals. November and December are full of sugary hot cocoa, over-stuffed turkeys, unhealthy appetizers, Christmas cookies, and lots (and lots) of booze. Many women have food-related stress heading into the holidays, while others give up on healthy eating entirely until January 1. But reality check, ladies: you can still indulge in your favorite foods without giving up your health goals, and you should be able to enjoy the holidays (totally guilt-free). For some expert advice heading into the most decadent meals of the year, I polled eight nutritionists on how they stay healthy while still enjoying the season.
1. McKel Kooienga, MS, RD, LDN, Author and Founder of Nutrition Stripped
Source: @nutritionstripped
“Food provides our bodies with the physical nourishment it needs to feel and function its best. But it also is culture, tradition, a way to connect with others, enjoyment, and so much more. It’s so important to honor that, especially during the holidays when food is such a beautiful and important aspect of the celebration. But there needs to be a balance. Many people can fall into the pattern of eating mindlessly throughout the holiday season and not paying attention to their nutritional needs with the intention of “restarting” or dieting in January.
The way I practice finding the right balance between food for nourishment and food for pleasure is pausing before eating and checking in with myself so I can make an intentional choice. I may say to myself, ‘I’m not hungry, but I would enjoy that dessert right now because it’s my favorite holiday dessert.’ On the other hand, I may say, ‘I’ve enjoyed a lot of my favorite holiday foods today, but I realize I haven’t eaten many vegetables and my digestion feels a little off. I’m gong to choose to fill my plate with more nourishing foods now.’ The purpose isn’t to eat perfect, but rather to slow down, bring awareness to what you want and need, and make an intentional choice.”
2. Shana Minei Spence, MS, RDN, CDN, Founder of The Nutrition Tea
Source: @thenutritiontea
“I think it’s really important to try to keep your mental health in check and a priority as much as possible. Especially with what’s going on in the world now. I personally like to go for walks and get as much fresh air as possible. Not just for exercise, but moving my body particularly outside really helps destress my day and brings me clarity. I think that it’s so important to find some form of exercise that you enjoy. It’s a great mood booster and increases the serotonin and endorphins (feel good hormones). But this only works if it is exercise that you enjoy.”
3. Elizabeth Yontz Moye, RD, Founder of Hello Spoonful
Source: Elizabeth Yontz Moye
“Fill up your plate with as much fiber as possible! Fiber helps with blood sugar control, appetite control, and stable energy levels. The more fiber you have with your meals (specifically carb-heavy meals) the less of a blood sugar spike you’ll have. The less of a blood sugar spike you have, the less insulin (your fat-storing hormone) you’ll release. When you experience these rapid spikes and falls, the more hungry you become shortly after eating so be sure to fill up on fiber during the holidays to say fuller, longer!”
4. Valerie Agyeman, RD, Founder of Flourish Heights
Source: Valerie Agyeman
“As I fill my body with the right quantity and quality of food it needs, I also remember that food is for enjoyment and connection. The holidays are a time for me to connect with my family traditions, culture, and loved ones. My experience of taste, aroma, the love and intention put into the meal, surrounding myself with family and the joy of eating, all add to my experience of nourishment. It influences my mood, emotions, behavior and food choices too. While it’s been a roller coaster kind of year, remember that food is a comfort. Food is a way to feel connected. It is to be enjoyed too. And that’s OK. That’s a good thing.”
Source: @nutritionhappens
“Between the holiday drinks, food, and even the change in air temperature during this time of the year (colder temperatures can contribute to more water loss in the body), hydration can take a hit. Grab an extra cup of water or two between meals to replenish those fluids. For optimal hydration, we need a balance of electrolytes, which are minerals that help regulate and control the balance of fluids in the body. The three big electrolytes are sodium, potassium, and magnesium, and they’re found in natural fruits and vegetables. Try adding a few slices of cucumbers or lemons / limes in a glass of water with a pinch of salt. Not only does this help provide those extra electrolytes for hydration, but it also makes it more interesting to drink throughout the day.
Also, make at least one meal a day as nutrient-dense as possible. The holidays can bring a lot of changes during mealtimes, like eating different foods or changing our eating routines. A nutrient-dense meal in between holiday meals (think: smoothie packed with leafy greens, a roasted vegetable salad, an omelette packed with spinach) can help you meet those vitamin and mineral goals throughout the week.”
Source: @marisamoore
“Instead of focusing on what not to eat, add more to the table. I volumize with veggies. I like to start with a seasonal salad, garlicky green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts with pomegranates for a festive twist. Also, there are endless eating opportunities during the holidays, but staying active might help to keep stress at bay. Consider connecting with friends over an active meet up like going on a (masked) walk. Lastly, I use what’s in season. From pears to apples to grapes to Brussels sprouts and other greens, there are lots of options.”
Source: @wellnessforthewin
“Some things that I think are super important to prioritize all year, but especially around the holidays, are adequate sleep and hydration. I encourage everyone to start their day with a large glass of water before they reach for the coffee. This can help reach daily fluid needs and hopefully remind them to continue to drink water all day long! In addition, create a good routine around sleep. Go to bed and wake up around consistent times each day, and create an environment that supports good, quality sleep.
Last but not least, plan ahead to reach your nutrition goals. Healthy eating requires a little more planning and intention, but when you think ahead, you are better able to incorporate nutrient-dense foods that support your health and immune system throughout the colder months. Remember that it doesn’t have to be all or nothing; you can truly enjoy all foods throughout the holiday season, without guilt or shame. It’s all about finding the balance that works for you and forming a healthy relationship with food.”
8. Serena Poon, CN, CHC, CHN, Leading Chef and Nutritionist
Source: Serena Poon
“Make sure you’re getting enough quality sleep. A lack of sleep amplifies emotions of tension, stress and anxiety, and weakens your immune system. Make a conscious effort to get at least 5-7 hours of sleep each night. Great sleep hygiene (going to bed at the same time, turning off devices an hour before bedtime, etc.) will help you stay on track through the holidays. Also, find a grounding practice. Meditating, breathing, or repeating a mantra/affirmation can do wonders for your health and mindset.”
How are you planning on staying healthy through the holidays? More
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