Holiday Food Anxiety

Last week I talked about the Holiday 10 and how we, as a society, just assume that no matter what, gaining weight during the holidays is inevitable. I also mentioned that it is just bullshit cyclical thinking and superb marketing to sell more crap to our already overflowing homes.

Yes, we are in a pandemic. Yes, it is the holidays and food and alcohol are literally within an arms reach everywhere you go. Yes, this is a valid excuse to let your health fall to the sidelines… if you let it. That is just the thing, it is an excuse! An excuse that you have control over!

Any excuse can be justified or validated in your mind to get what you want. Healthy or unhealthy.

The trick is not letting this, or any excuse, stop you from reaching your health goals.

There is a way to stay on track, to not eat like a starving gremlin, and to keep exercising. That trick is to be honest with yourself and stop giving yourself an out.

You can say, “No” to grandma’s second piece of pecan pie. You can say, “No” to that second heaping spoonful of momma’s mashed potatoes. You can say, “No” to that second…okay third glass of wine.

When I say this, I know some of you are flabbergasted at the thought of saying, “No” to your auntie’s famous sweet potato pie with extra marshmallows, leprechaun kisses and unicorn sprinkles.

I’m not saying that you can’t have it because YOU CAN!

You can eat whatever you like of how much you like. On a holiday or celebration of some sort, you don’t have to count calories, weigh your food or calculate your exact macros. You can enjoy the food that is provided. Just know that just because the food is there, does not mean you have to eat it.

What I am asking of you is to be mindful of how your body is feeling. If you are full, then stop eating; if you are still hungry, go for that second plate. By being mindful you will avoid feelings of guilt and avoid shaming yourself because of a number on the scale.

On Thursday, you can have all the marshmallow crap you want.

On Friday, you’re back your program, following your diet and chasing your goals!

A holiday or celebration is just ONE day, it’s not a season of fat bear week (if you don’t get this reference, click here).

Get outside and go for a morning walk before the chaos of cooking starts. Or go for an afternoon walk to help your gut get that turkey digesting.

Six weeks of holiday eating like you’re a starving gremlin and not working out won’t actually enhance your quality of life. It just doesn’t. It actually has more of a negative impact than a positive one because of the demoralizing thoughts that you tell yourself rather than the confident and loving ones.

Be mindful. Enjoy family. Go for a walk. Don’t be a starving gremlin.