Yes, you can be healthy AND eat the holiday cookies

Because life is about balance. No Images? Click here       Dear Good Life readers, Happy December! Are visions of sugar plums (or any sweets for that matter) dancing in your head? There’s a lot of shame surrounding overeating this time of year, despite the fact that experts say that one extravagant meal isn’t going to destroy your health. However, it doesn’t hurt to be a little conscious of what you’re putting in your body. But since there’s no way in hell I’m going to give up the pralines my mom makes every year, I figured I’d give “mindful eating” a try over Thanksgiving to see if it’s something that could work throughout the holidays. This practice aims to allow you to eat whatever you want (woohoo!) but still help you control yourself because you’re hyperfocused on what you’re eating in the moment. Spoiler alert: I didn’t do so well. I’m a notoriously fast eater, which is the exact opposite of what mindful eating has you do. You’re supposed to concentrate on your food, chew slowly and listen to your body’s actual hunger cues. Kind of difficult to do if you’re shoveling multiple bites of stuffing in your mouth at a rapid pace. I didn’t pay attention to when I was full, which meant eating a ton of dinner and pie. It tasted great ― and I have no regrets ― but I failed my personal challenge and my stomach didn’t feel so good. So, I’m back to eating more vegetables and choosing healthier options in the office lunch line. I’m going to keep working on mindful eating, though. Stay tuned for the story on how it goes, plus I’ll chat with some experts who can advise me (and all of you) on how to succeed at it. And in the interim, let’s all treat ourselves to a holiday cookie. Life’s about balance. Love, Lindsay Senior Wellness Editor, HuffPost Life Turn up the Wellness Jams Wellness Jams is a curated workout or relaxing playlist from celebrities, influencers and readers. This week, HuffPost’s Fashion & Lifestyle Editor Jamie Feldman shares what songs motivated her when she was training for her first half marathon. You can follow her running progress (and her killer style) on Instagram. See what she has to say about her playlist below: I signed up for a half marathon this year having never run more than one mile at a time in my life. While my decision to sign up was questionable, one thing certainly was not: Music. It was not just important ― it was crucial ― to keep me going through training, especially on the days that I wanted to give up (of which there were many). I have about 100 songs on my running playlist to date, but these 17 are pretty foolproof. I very rarely want to hit the next button when they come on. Press play on the soundtrack here the next time you hit the pavement. Happy running!   Words of wellness Prince Harry on negative mental health stereotypes: “People seem ready for a different kind of conversation on mental health. Everyone was tired of stigma and scare stories around mental illness.” Meghan Markle on exercise: “Sometimes the idea of working out sounds absolutely dreadful, but I always remind myself of how good it will feel afterward. Euphoric, almost.” Kesha on self care during the holidays: “It’s not your responsibility to try to make the whole world happy. Especially since sometimes it’s not that easy to make yourself happy, either — even with all the celebrations and gifts and seasonal decorations, foods and drinks, which can only do so much.”   Crushing on this 'Gram Want more wellness? 11 Ways To Take Care Of Yourself During This Hellish News Cycle You're not alone if you're feeling stressed by all these reports. Holiday Magic Is Made By Women. And It's Killing Us. The emotional labor we do this time of year can risk our mental health. Genius Tips For Managing A Cold Once You're Already Sick 'Tis the season for the sniffles.    .     No moon dust. No B.S. Just a completely essential daily guide to achieving the good life. Subscribe here. Like what you see? Share it. Can't get enough? You'll also love: HuffPost Must Reads. ©2017 HuffPost | 770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003 You are receiving this email because you signed up for updates from HuffPost Feedback | Privacy Policy | Unsubscribe    . - - Preferences  |  Unsubscribe