It is once again the most wonderful (and stressful) time of year! The holiday season is full of shopping, gift giving, and partying. Along with the joys of the season, this time of year can be especially challenging for those who have a sensitive relationship with food. There is a very real level of stress felt by party goers who are unsure of how to maintain healthy eating habits at the holiday table. As opposed to the overwhelming advice on “How to Diet During the Holidays,” I came across a refreshing list of tips on how to care for yourself during these next couple of weeks.
Here is my revised version of eating tips to keep in mind before joining your next holiday feast:
1. Breathe. I know it sounds overly simple, but deep breaths will restore oxygen to our brains, helping us think more clearly and make more effective decisions. The many stressors of the season, including interactions at the dinner table, can challenge our confidence while eating. Deep breaths can restore our sense of calm and help us tune in to what our bodies want.
2. Pick and Choose. Give yourself permission to accept what you want and leave what you don’t. This can range from declining an appetizer that doesn’t appeal to your senses, to declining an invitation to a party that may bring more stress than it’s worth. Allow yourself to enjoy time with friends and loved ones at the parties that enthuse you.
3. Be Open to New Traditions. Holiday customs can be cultural, or be specific to our families or friends. If a traditional dish is not in line with how you wish to feed your body, consider altering it in a way that better serves you. You may also wish to create new foods to integrate alongside the traditional favorites.
4. Talk to Loved Ones. This is a time of year to connect with those around us. Open up to a trusted family member or friend to communicate whatever support you may need. It may be enough to simply talk about the common stressors felt at holiday parties!
5. Be Kind to Yourself. Eating second portions of a meal and extra bites of dessert are normal experiences around the holidays! Show yourself some kindness, regardless of what you choose to put on your plate this season.
I adapted my list from the one found at: www.eatingrecoverycenter.com