5 Holiday Tips from The College Greens:
Indulge in the right ways
The holidays are seen as a time to “indulge.” People tend to forget the diet, forget the exercise, and just get their last hoorahs in before they have to make a New Year’s resolution. But there are other ways to indulge than just in eating fattening foods. For example, indulge in spending time with your family and friends! Take the holiday break to catch up and enjoy quality time together. Maybe go for a relaxing bike ride or hike through the mountains. Or indulge in a gourmet plant-strong recipe. Usually, you’re probably crunched for time and sticking to Jeff Novick’s 10-minute-meals. And while those can be quite yummy (We love you, Jeff!), it can be fun to pull out a more complicated recipe and indulge in some higher quality cooking
Be a living example
Have a plant-powered holiday! Show the world that you can celebrate just as fully while also keeping up the herbivore lifestyle. Notice, though, that we say show, not tell. This isn’t the time to be a martyr for the cause. Do your plant-strong thang, but don’t make a big deal out of it. No pushing, no preaching; just be yourself! You’re awesome. That’s enough
Remember the gift you’re giving yourself
Please, please remember the wonderful gift that you are giving yourself. Eating plant-strong is one of the best things that you can do for your body, your health, and your future. So if the fudge brownies start to tempt you, or if some of your relatives are haters, keep this in mind. Give yourself a big hug of appreciation and a huge high five.
It’s not all about the food
Yes, the holidays are strongly tied to food. But it is the traditions that are tied to food, not the meaning. The real meaning of the holidays resides within your heart. As cheesy (nutritional yeasty?) as that sounds, it’s true. The holidays are about much more than the unhealthy treats. They are about cherishing your family and friends, and sharing in celebration of the season. It’s also a time for showing compassion—to yourself, your loved ones, to animals, and the environment. Feed your spirit, and the world, with joy and friendship.
At your core, you’re still yourself
It might be easy for people to look at the new you (new eating habits, new body, new vigor) and focus on all of the changes. But while you may have made huge strides in these areas, this doesn’t change who you are at your core. You are still the same person you always have been, you just fuel your life with plants these days. So embrace the new, but let your foundation of self that everyone knows and loves shine through as well .
