The holiday season is upon us, and it's a time of joy, celebration, and yes, some unique challenges. In this episode of The BariNation Podcast, we explore the power of mindfulness and how it can be your guiding light during this festive time.

Returning podcast guest and BariNation Expert Kayla Girgen, RD joined April and Jason who kick off the discussion by diving deep into the concept of mindfulness. What does it really mean to be "mindful"? Discover how being fully present in the moment, aware of your thoughts, feelings, and emotions, can be the key to making intentional choices during the holidays.

But why do the holidays often seem more stressful than other times of the year? Is it something we create in our heads? Can this added stress become an excuse to overindulge in foods that don't align with your bariatric journey? Join us as we unravel the factors contributing to holiday stress and how to make mindful choices.

We also discuss how this might be the only time of the year to enjoy certain foods and the company of friends and family, making it hard to imagine celebrating without food as the "main dish." Can we find a balance between tradition and our bariatric goals?

When life gets busy and stressful, it's easy to neglect movement and meal choices. In this episode, we share strategies for staying mindful about movement and meals. Understand why movement is a "non-negotiable" and discover how it can lower stress, help you process emotions, and uplift your mood. And don't stress about holiday meals - most are protein-forward.

It is important to know that a few meals this season will not derail all of the progres you have made. They discuss the importance of trusting yourself to make the right food choices and, if necessary, making the decision to forgo certain events or foods.

The mantra "Enjoy, Pass, Tweak" becomes your holiday survival guide. Sometimes, nothing but the "real" thing will do, and that's okay. Remember, it's alright to have different holidays before and after surgery, and your journey is unique.

The big takeaways from this episode emphasize the significance of being mindful about your emotions in the moment, especially when triggered by food or people. Discover how having game plans ready can help you make mindful choices. And don't miss the chance to share your favorite non-food-related holiday memory or tradition; it's our listener question on Spotify!

This holiday season, join us as we embark on a mindful journey to navigate the festivities with intention and joy. Tune in The BariNation Podcast and let mindfulness be your holiday superpower.