Celebrating the Holidays without the Guilt

…who’s ready to celebrate?! Happy Hanukkah, everyone! This Jewish holiday observing the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem generally takes place towards the end of November or throughout December and is celebrated over eight days. This length of time reveres the miracle that occurred during the second century B.C., in which only a single day’s amount of oil remained to maintain the menorah’s flame, but this one day’s worth kept the flames burning for eight days and eight nights.

Hanukkah is celebrated in many ways, one of which is the eating of traditional foods. From latkes, to kugel, to rugelach, this holiday truly has it all.

However, following the indulgence of these delicious treats you may begin to feel a sense of guilt, especially this time of year. The pressure to not put on any “holiday weight” may consume you, preventing the enjoyment you should be feeling when celebrating these occasions.

WTF (What the Foods?)

Unfamiliar with the traditional Hanukkah delights? Here is what you need to know about some of the signature dishes served:

• Latkes are pancakes, typically made from potatoes, and fried in oil. Zucchini and carrot latkes are also popular alternatives. This dish can be served solo, or it can be served with a side of sour cream or applesauce for dipping.

• Kugel, at its core, is a baked noodle casserole or pudding which can be made either sweet or savory. To make more of a dessert kugel, a sweet custard can be used as the base. To make it a dinner component, a variety of herbs, spices, and cheeses can be included in the base instead.

• Rugelach is a rolled pastry dessert customary to the celebration of Hanukkah. In between the layers of this dough, you can find cinnamon, raspberry, or even chocolate filling; the options are endless!

Refrain from Feeling Shame

It is particularly challenging during the holidays to not feel guilty about what you eat. However, the holidays should be about joy and family, not guilt around food. Here are some things to remember when celebrating this holiday season:

• It is a special occasion. This is a time to rejoice and be with your family, not worry about calories, and plan your workout for the following day. Remember, these are not your habits 24/7, you should enjoy these holiday delicacies and quality family time without the guilt!

• Listen to your body. Be mindful and purposeful of the food you are eating. If you begin to feel full, listen to this cue! Not only will you feel better physically following the meal, but you may also feel better mentally as you did not override your body’s hunger signal.

Between spending time with family members and all the delicious food involved, the celebration of Hanukkah is one of the most joyous times of the year.

Your Turn to Take Action: Which Hanukkah dish do you want to try? Let me know in the comments below.