How I Ended My Obsession with Holiday Eating

Appears courtesy of For The Love of Kale.

If you are currently suffering from an eating disorder, this post may be a trigger for you.  If you would like some personal advice on dealing with the holidays, feel free to e-mail me at heather@fortheloveofkale.com. And remember…your heart defines your true beauty.

The holidays are a time of love, joy, cozy sweaters, and let’s face it – really awesome Christmas music. Chipmunks anyone? Or how about the new Michael Buble Christmas CD? Both are equally ear-gasmic, if you ask me.

Perhaps the most often-mentioned topic surrounding the holidays is food. Namely, how to avoid stuffing yourself to the brim, breaking out the elastic waistband pants, and entering a food coma. I personally think the media sensationalizes this idea and makes it seem like we are doomed because we have no self-control when it comes to holiday eating. Let’s put it into perspective, shall we? Thanksgiving and Christmas are two out of 365 days in a year. This will not make you gain weight. It is successive consumption that sends us over the edge. Practicing mindful eating and not depriving yourself will allow you to enjoy your food worry-free. Plus, contrary to headlines’ accusations, we do have control over what goes into our bodies!

In the past, when my eating disorder was in full-force, the holidays were a time of great stress. I worried about every last morsel of food that went into my body. To avoid “over-eating,” I would create a regimented plan for myself. This essentially ruined the holidays for me because my mind would be consumed with that “plan” all day. To the average person, I probably looked like I had it all together. In reality, this was so far from the truth. While I was carrying on conversations with family members, I was saying the right things but my mind wasn’t there. I was fixated on that “plan” because I didn’t want tarnish my precious quest for perfection.

A few years down the road, when I was in recovery and it came time to face the holidays, I was terrified. Now that I was no longer practicing my eating disordered habits, I needed to find a way to cope with this fear. Upon my therapist’s advice, I began to look at the holidays in a different light. Yes, there was delicious food, but what if the food itself didn’t exist? What would the holidays be about? If the food didn’t exist, the holidays would simply be a get-together of family and friends celebrating their love for one another (can’t forget Jesus too!).

Instead of focusing on the food, I began focusing on the company – spending time with my family and the people I love. The food was just an added bonus!

In order to not derail my efforts, I would stick to these healthy habits before dinner:

o Eat a healthy breakfast

o Fit in a substantial workout

o Eat a nutrient-dense salad for lunch

That way, when it came time for holiday dinner, I could listen to my body. Knowing that I had done my best to be healthy all day made me want to continue that path throughout the entire day. Deprivation was no longer an option. I would fill my plate with four main dishes. Then, if I wanted an extra helping of stuffing or a different side, I had it. I would also prepare my own vegan dessert. After dinner, I would enjoy the dessert before making myself a cup of coffee or tea in order to avoid binging on anything else and making sure that I was satisfied – not stuffed or starving.

I hope this helps you to realize that while food is wonderful and should be enjoyed, it is by no means the “main course” of the holidays. Spread your love, light, and joy to other people and that will be all the “food” you need.

Stay lovely,

Heather