I know it’s hard, really hard to continue with your intuitive eating practices during the holidays, when family members are pushing food at you as if you’re never going to eat again, I mean never, ever, ever again!
I know it’s hard especially when great aunt Maud, who you haven’t seen since day dot comes to visit and insists that you try her cake, even though you’ve already explained that you don’t like cheesecake!
I know it’s hard because everywhere you look there’s food! Why do so many of our family get togethers involve so much food? Or is that just my family?!
I know it’s hard because you go from house to house doing your bit, visiting all your relations, and at each house you have a banquet fit for a king!
I know it’s hard because you have to see relations that you barely know, or worse still relations that you argued with last year!
Christmas is so stressful anyway, without the added bonus of food issues thrown into the mix, so here’s 3 things to hopefully make your week go a little smoother:
1 Set an intention for the holiday, what do you want to get out of it?
For example:
- I will be present and in the moment with my loved ones
- I will make time for myself, even if only for a few minutes
- I will take what I need, and leave what I don’t
- I will practice self-compassion
- I will allow myself to experience pleasure, including from food, without judgement
- I will practice self-care each day
- I will nourish myself with satisfying meals and snacks
2 Give yourself permission
- Give yourself permission to have the foods you love, and leave behind the ones you don’t
- Give yourself permission to rest or exercise if you are craving movement
- My answer to the question, “Can I eat that??” is always a resounding, “YES!”
3 Realise that there is an ebb and a flow to normal eating
- This means that our bodies are very resilient and can handle fluctuations in our eating!
- A single meal or day or week of eating more indulgent foods and not being in our usual workout routine is not going to make a difference in your weight or fitness in the long run!
I hope this helps you, and you’re able to start to relax around the Christmas holidays, and enjoy the time spent with our loved ones.
Merry Christmas!
Lisa xx