Okay, let’s talk about eating at holiday parties!
These situations can be tough for some since it can be hard to be around that much delicious, rich, “once a year” food without a) totally losing control and overeating (and consequently feeling not so great afterwards) or b) overly restricting yourself and not being able to truly enjoy (the food, but also the holiday atmosphere in general). Before I learned to listen to my body’s cues and eat intuitively, I alwaysss fell into the first group. Every time. Knowing I would only have this specific cookie or this specific dish once a year, I would kind of panic and eat more than I even really wanted, all in the name of really “enjoying” it. Sounds kinda backwards, right? This is what can happen when you are hyper focused on food!
Here are some of my practical tips I hope can help you!
- Before going to the gathering, do not starve yourself or eat really ‘light’ in order to “save your calories.” This will just cause a major blood sugar dip and totally backfire – you will likely feel very out of control around the holiday food. Eat as you normally would throughout the day!
- When you arrive, and now have access to allll of the decadent foods, take a lap! I always do this. Basically this allows you to survey the scene and see all the yummy foods that are available to you. In reality, there is only a certain amount of food you can eat before you reach comfortable fullness. Make sure you use that precious space on foods you love! In other words, don’t fill up on the basic crackers and cheese before you even see there is ooey, gooey warm baked brie around the corner! (Anyone else a huge baked brie fan??)
- Give yourself space to actually enjoy the food. What do I mean by this? I mean really give it your attention and allow it’s deliciousness to really register with your tastebuds. There are so many amazing holiday dishes and treats this time of year, and often you really only get to eat them at this one time of year only. When biting into that mouth watering steak or traditional family cookie, really give yourself the space to take in the aroma, identify the flavors, experience the mouthfeel. This might sound a little crazy…since we live in such a fast paced world that doesn’t typically highlight these simple pleasures. But by really giving yourself the chance to enjoy, you will likely find you need less of the food to reap full satisfaction from it!
- Shift your focus from the food! While sharing food during celebrations is such a huge part (and one of my favorites!) the holidays and gathering is also so much about connecting with family members and friends. Use this time to be present, connect, and revel in the company of others, instead of fixating on what you’re eating (or what you’re not).
- Give yourself grace. Maybe you will eat past the point of feeling comfortable, maybe you will eat too many sugary baked goods and feel pretty sluggish afterwards. That’s okay! Your body will digest that food, you will move on, and you will get back to feeling like yourself. As an intuitive eater, I’m pretty good at balancing eating for satisfaction and remaining at a point where I feel good physically. But these special circumstances can be a bit more of a tradeoff; to enjoy all the holiday foods I want to savor, I may eat a little too much or may feel a little sluggish for a day or two after. I’m completely okay with that! The difference is not going completely overboard to the point where you feel you must restrict to regain control. That is the situation I used to fall into but have learned my way out of.
I hope you find these tips helpful, and I hope you have the best time at your holiday gatherings soaking up all of the magic of this season!
xx Becca