Its that time of year again: Christmas and New Years are quickly approaching.
Many of us look forward to celebrating food traditions (Southern-style mac n cheese anyone?)
while sharing special moments with loved ones.
Getty Images/ creacart
Its pretty typical to have anxiety around food during the holidays.
Some of my clients consider completely avoiding holiday gatherings because of how unpleasant the experience can be.
I find that it comes in especially handy during the holidays.
Its all about making peace with food and taking care of yourself in a more layered and comprehensive way.
During the holidays, these external cues are at an all-time high.
It honestly feels like its endless.
Here are four practical tips to keep in mind if you want to eat more intuitively during the holidays.
Remember that emotional hunger is a thing and its valid.
This goes back to tapping into internal versus external rules when it comes to food.
There are no set rules, and ultimately you get to decide what satisfaction looks like in that moment.
Emotional hunger is valid too, especially during the holidays.
Set some gentle boundaries with loved ones.
Just like its okay to say yes, its also okay to say no.
Do you have that auntie who offers you more food every five minutes?
Or that cousin who doesnt shut up about how little you eat?
it’s possible for you to acknowledge that and respond with kindness and compassion.
For example, Thank you so much for making that pie.
Is it okay if I pack some to go so I can enjoy it tomorrow?
Its a pretty unpleasant cycle to be caught up in.
Wake up on Thanksgiving and want to go for a run?
Bonus year-round tip: Be mindful of the food-related messages youre constantly bombarded with throughout the year.
But these dont just pop up during the holidays.
These kinds of rules and food messages are constantly circulating around us and can negatively impact ourrelationship to food.
make a run at be mindful of this throughout the year.
Went HAM (had to say it again) on the mashed potatoes and gravy?
