Hello Friends,
Today’s blog post looks a little different. Eating is a topic I have yet to tackle on my blog, as I am still heavily working through myself. That being said, I know many people struggle with it over the holidays, so I have written a short post today with some do’s and don’ts I am taking with me into this holiday season. Without further adieu, here are Laura’s Do’s and Don’ts for navigating eating at holiday dinners.
- Do: Listen to Your Body
- Check-in with yourself throughout the meal. Eat when you feel hungry and rest when you feel comfortably full. If you are craving that piece of cake, go for it. Your body will tell you exactly what it needs; you just need to listen and trust it.
- Do: Enjoy Your Favourite Foods
- The Holidays bring exciting and unique dishes to the table. These foods are often seasonal and only come around once a year. They may bring you joy or nostalgia and are meant to be enjoyed. You are allowed to indulge a little over the holidays, so allow yourself to share in the celebration.
- Do: Bring a Dish You Love
- If the menu’s unknownness is causing you stress or unease, bring a dish you are comfortable with and know you will be able to enjoy. It could be a side, dessert, or a dish that fits your dietary restrictions. Whatever will bring you comfort and joy. Not to mention, sharing a favourite dish with others is so much fun.
- Don’t: Label Foods as “Good” and “Bad”
- All foods can fit into a healthy, balanced life. It is okay to enjoy whatever foods you like, including holiday treats. Avoid making food choices like moral decisions, with labels such as good and bad.
- Don’t: Let Anyone Dictate What or How Much You Eat
- Don’t engage in conversation about diets, calories, weight, or anything else that is triggering. You are the only one who knows what is right for your body; nobody else should get a say. If a triggering conversation comes up, redirect it to something festive or completely unrelated.
- Don’t: Let Food Guilt Ruin the Moment
- Don’t allow guilt to ruin your favourite holiday traditions or foods. If guilt creeps in, remind yourself you deserve to enjoy a meal and/or a treat without feeling guilty or ashamed. Remember that one meal or day of eating does not define your health.
The holidays are bigger than meals and dinners. If navigating eating at holiday dinners is concerning, you should focus on the people and other experiences around you. At the end of the day, you deserve to enjoy the holidays however that looks for you.
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Until Tomorrow, My Friends!
P.S. I’m proud of you 😉