How To Not Feel Guilty About Eating “Too Much” During The Holidays
Are you feeling a little guilty because you ate “too much” during the holidays? It’s ok - I’m here to tell you that you’re not alone. This is a shared experience, particularly for women, many of whom have been navigating the toxic waters of diet culture since the 90s and 2000s. It's a culture that has often dictated how we should feel about food and our bodies, leaving a lasting impact that many are still working to overcome. But guess what? We can shift our perspective and soothe those feelings of guilt about holiday eating. Here's how we can reframe our thoughts and start embracing a healthier, more forgiving relationship with food and ourselves.
Celebrate Food as a Part of the Festivity, Not the Enemy
First off, let's rethink our perspective on holiday eating. Food is more than just sustenance; it's a celebration of culture, a centerpiece for gathering, and a source of joy. Those special holiday recipes handed down through generations? They’re treasures, not traps. Eating them is part of the joy of the season.
Listen to Your Body
During the holidays, our routines get upended, and it’s okay to indulge. Listening to your body is key. If you’re craving that creamy slice of cheesecake, go for it! But remember to tune in to your body’s signals. Are you eating because you’re genuinely enjoying it, or just because it’s there? Your body knows best.
Balance, Not Deprivation
Balance is my mantra, and it can be yours too. Enjoying your holiday favorites doesn’t mean you can’t balance it out with nutritious choices. It’s not about offsetting or compensating; it’s about enjoying a variety of foods.
Exercise for Fun, Not Punishment
If you love a good workout, keep it up during the holidays. But shift the narrative from 'burning off' what you ate to celebrating what your body can do and focusing on your goals. For me, it’s strength. I like feeling strong and being able to carry things easily, so I keep this in mind as I stick to my regular workout routine even during the holidays.
Self-Compassion is Your Holiday Must-Have
Remember, we're often our harshest critics. This holiday season, let's practice self-compassion. Enjoying food is not a moral failing. It’s a part of life, and especially a part of celebrations. Let’s not forget the mental and emotional nourishment that comes from these festive gatherings.
You Don't Owe Anyone Thinness
Louder for the back: your value is not tied to your waistline. In a world where the diet culture has long been pervasive, many of us have been conditioned to believe that our self-worth is directly linked to our body size. We've been bombarded with messages suggesting that being thin is synonymous with being happy, successful, and desirable. But this is an unrealistic view that undermines the richness of our human experience and the diversity of our bodies.
Your worth is inherent, not something to be earned through achieving a certain body type. When we liberate ourselves from the idea that we owe thinness to anyone – be it family, friends, partners, or society at large – we open the door to a more authentic, joyful, and fulfilling life. It's about embracing who you are, as you are, and recognizing that your value goes far beyond physical appearance.
So this holiday season, let's toast to a new narrative – one where we celebrate our bodies for the incredible things they allow us to experience, where we find joy in the food we eat and the company we keep, and where our self-worth is not up for negotiation. Here's to a holiday season filled with love, laughter, and a hearty appreciation for all the joys life has to offer!
