Holiday Eating with Ease

"Sometimes you just have to take what you're given
and eat it."

Our friend, Jon, who stayed with us recently said this in passing after I'd offered him free reign to some leftovers in my fridge. At first, I was a little bit offended. What was wrong with my leftovers? Nothing, but as a low-budget traveler, this had been his reality for the past 7-8 months. Jon had just spent those last months on the road, as a support driver to two of our other friends, who were walking across America (DogBlogUSA.com) to raise awareness about pet therapy and animal rescue.

As I thought about what he'd said more, it dawned on me how much I had to learn from that statement.

First, it brought me to the realization that I am so fortunate and abundant to be able to have access to and to be able to choose very high-quality foods for myself. Not everyone can get there hands on fresh organic produce at all. Many more can not afford it. The good news is that our bodies are miraculous things and know what to do with most of what we give them.

As someone who is constantly trying to be in control of my food - by buying my own ingredients, cooking most of my own meals, and being prepared when I'm out and about - I felt suddenly enlightened, thinking about what Jon said. Especially as I've been struggling over the holidays, when there are handfuls of parties and cookie tins and dinners to attend, and I DON'T have a lot of control over what's in my food as much.

"Sometimes you just have to take what you're given and eat it."

When you're at Grandma's house for the holiday dinner, eat what you want. You don't have to eat everything you're givenIf you're not sure if she used butter or margarine... it is going to kill you? Or, the better question: Is it worth worrying about? Especially during this once a year celebration of family and friends and abundance?

Yes, I think it's important to be good to yourself and listen to when your body is hungry and when it's full and to know what foods make it feel good and what foods make it feel like crap. BUT it's not worth stressing over.

What do you think?