Enjoying Purim Without Regret: Celebrate With Joy and Balance

How many times have you finished celebrating Purim only to feel disappointed, heavy, or frustrated, realizing the holiday added a few pounds to your already challenging weight journey?

Probably more than once.

There's a wise saying: a smart person doesn’t repeat the same mistake, they learn from it. So if, year after year, you find yourself caught in the same trap of overindulging in candy, pastries, and festive snacks, it’s time to do things differently.

In the Purim story, it says Mordechai did not bow down. In that spirit, we can also stop bowing to food and letting it control us. Let’s stop giving it more power than it deserves. Yes, food is meant to be tasty but it doesn’t have to rule over us emotionally or spiritually. The way we talk about food matters. When we say “this is irresistible” or “it makes me feel better,” we strengthen those beliefs in our subconscious. But food is just food, it can be tasty, but that’s where it ends.

Telling Ourselves the Right Story

How often do we tell ourselves, “I’m trying”? But “trying” is just a word, it has no real weight. You either raise your hand, or you don’t. “Trying” sounds like effort, but it avoids real commitment.

The same goes for “I want.” It’s not enough to want something, we need to take responsibility and act. Let’s take off the mask, look in the mirror, and tell ourselves the truth. Our eating habits are managed by the stories we tell ourselves. But those stories can change.

For example, instead of thinking “I can’t resist,” try thinking “No candy is worth breaking my word to myself,” or “There’s no taste better than self-control.” When we remove the glamorous title we give food, it becomes easier to handle.

Think about it. You resist food temptations when you’re fasting, or when the food isn’t kosher, or when it doesn't meet your dietary values. That means you do have self-control, you just need to tap into it.

What Does Real Joy Look Like?

“Not every day is Purim,” people say, “so today I can enjoy.” But are you really happy after you overeat? True joy isn’t just about taste. Real happiness lasts more than five minutes. It fills your heart, not just your stomach.

Why do we tell ourselves stories like “I tried,” “I’m bored,” or “This isn’t for me”? Often, these are ways to avoid responsibility. We stay in our comfort zones, even when it holds us back. But the truth is, it’s more comfortable to feel light, energetic, and confident.

This Purim, let’s reveal the deeper message of the Megillah. Let’s ask ourselves real questions that push us forward: What do I want this year to look like? How can I make better choices than last year or the year before?

Taking Responsibility Means Taking Charge

It means saying, “Purim is here. I’m hosting or attending parties. There will be temptations. So what’s my plan? What do I want to do differently this time?”

Ask yourself: What’s the cost of not having control? And what will I gain from making better choices even if it means saying no to a delicious pastry?

Let’s remove the mask and uncover what’s really going on inside. Let’s look honestly at the thoughts and beliefs that guide our habits.

Practical Tips for a Healthier Purim

Here are some helpful and doable tips to enjoy the Purim spirit without the guilt afterward:

1. Choose small, individual packages. Big bags are harder to control, and before you know it, they’re empty. Smaller packages help you stop before it’s too much.

2. Pick one treat and savor it. Make it special. Sit down and really enjoy it. Don’t eat on the go or standing in the kitchen. Take a bite, feel the texture, taste the flavor, enjoy the moment.

3. Don’t skip meals. Eating real, nutritious meals helps you feel satisfied and stay calm around sweets.

4. Watch out for alcohol. It often hides a lot of sugar. Even one drink can raise your blood sugar quickly and then drop it later.

5. If you want hamantaschen, choose wisely. Buy or bake smaller ones. Enjoy them as dessert after a meal when you’re already satisfied. Better yet, make your own using healthier ingredients:

• Use almond or spelt flour for more fiber and nutrients.

• Replace margarine with coconut oil.

• Swap white sugar for natural alternatives.

• Choose fillings like nuts or dark chocolate for better nutrition.

Just remember even healthy versions can tempt us to overeat if we’re not mindful.

6. Use empowering thoughts. Repeat positive mantras: “I can do this,” “I’m in control,” “Nothing tastes better than confidence.” These reminders have real power.

Wishing You a Happy, Healthy Purim

Purim is a time of joy, celebration, and spiritual depth. Let that joy come not only from what you eat, but from how you care for your body, your soul, and your choices.

Dr. Rina Mordu, PhD, is a specialist in weight loss, subconscious behavior, and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming).