Research shows that diets don’t work. Diets are about restriction which leads to binging, and this causes people to lose weight just to gain it back again.
So while it may seem like a good idea to skip a meal or pass on your favorite holiday dessert, don’t do it! Holidays during COVID are going to be tough enough, so why not let yourself enjoy all the good food?
Gingerbread cookies aren’t bad, I promise!! Holiday sweets are part of what makes the holidays so much fun. Enjoy them!
Give yourself permission to ditch the diet and eat the treats.
It’s believing that treats are “bad” that makes you overeat them. If you stay relaxed and don’t stress and just savor and enjoy each bite, trusting that you’re allowed to eat more next time a craving hits, you WILL be able to find a comfortable stopping place that honors your mind, body, and soul. It may just take time to truly believe that you ARE allowed to have it, and that you CAN enjoy this same food again the next time the craving hits.
If you sit down with a treat, believing that it’s your last one, and experience guilt and shame for eating it, then you WILL likely eat more of it, and even feel a bit out-of-control around that food. (This is known as “eating with a scarcity mindset”, and it steals the joy right out of the eating experience.)
Eating is supposed to be a pleasurable experience, and in my opinion, the most pleasurable foods are eaten during the holidays, surrounded by friends and family.
Allow yourself to enjoy the holiday meals this season by being mindful. Slow down, take a deep breath and enjoy. Savor each bite and put your fork down every once in a while to sit and appreciate your meal and the people you are sharing it with.
Do you ever feel like you have to eat everything during the holidays because you only get it once a year? Let’s change that! Give yourself peace of mind knowing that you can make these meals at any time during the year (Christmas in July?!). The food isn’t going anywhere! There will probably be plenty of leftovers that you can enjoy. So, when you are feeling full, honor it, and know that you can always have more later.
The holidays are busy enough with buying presents, decorating, and spending time with family. Be present with people in your life and enjoy the holiday traditions instead of worrying about food. There is so much more going on in life than just food! Choose food freedom and ditch the diet this holiday season.
If trusting your body and feeling relaxed around food feels hard, scary, or impossible, consider meeting with a UCAN Health Coach when we get back in January.