Food Relapse is REAL, people!
You could have successfully watched every fat, carb and protein calorie that entered your mouth for TEN months and fall prey to the dessert table on Thanksgiving Day! How does it happen? Frankly, holiday stress and an abundance of food! I know family time is generally good times but it can be stressful so don’t come @ me. But, with a little few effective techniques, we can bypass that setback and enjoy our holidays without guilt!
Okay, before you totally flip out, know that this post isn’t about avoiding the peach cobbler and pecan pie on the Thanksgiving menu. It’s about enjoying the holiday experience without relying on food to get through it. This took me years to learn and my execution still isn’t perfect. However, it has helped me conquer my compulsion to eat my holiday emotions. Here are a few simple tips and techniques that have worked for me and mine.
Ways to Enjoy Holiday Food without Guilt
- Planning and Preparing: A big part of holiday relapse is showing up to the feast with no idea how to navigate the eating portion effectively. Every time I attempted to show up and wing it, I overate and felt like garbage afterward. For me, planning includes having a general sense of the menu. Don’t be afraid to ask, “Is there anything I can bring that can round out the menu?” They will usually offer up the menu in the discussion, giving you the information you need to prepare for the day. Then, you can determine if the menu provides you with opportunities to eat in moderation.
- Balance the Plate: I know how easy it is to eat your colors on the Thanksgiving plate – yellow mac & cheese, green bean casserole, brown cornbread dressing – we love to eat the carbs! This Thanksgiving, find ways to tilt the plate towards health by adding proteins and lean greens, if possible. Don’t scrimp on the dessert table but choose SLIVERS of cake instead of slices. Remember, there is always the “take-home” plate.
- Avoid Eating your Emotions: As much as we love seeing family during the holidays, it can be quite stressful for some. And, that’s okay. Acknowledge it and ensure that your support system is ready to encourage and assist you during this time. Understand that eating five pounds of Thanksgiving dinner will not eradicate your anxiety but leaning into your support squad can
Thanksgiving will be here before we know it. Don’t dread it. Anticipate the good times to be had by all and know that food is just the icing on the proverbial cake. Eat and enjoy!