We live in a society where disordered eating has been normalized.
Cutting out whole food groups, intentionally skipping meals, and following strict meal plans is the trendy thing to do.
It’s what most do to “fix” their eating habits, but those are the exact reasons why their eating habits need fixing in the first place.
As we embark on the holiday season you’re gonna hear things like, “The average person gains 7-9 pounds this time of year” or “You better workout like crazy to make room for the pie.”
Not only are these comments untrue and not helpful, they can easily trigger disorder eating behaviors, like:
– Dieting or rigid routines around food
– Feelings of guilt associated with eating
– Preoccupation with food, weight and body image that negatively impacts quality of life
– Feelings of loss of control around food
– Using exercise, restriction, fasting, or purging to “make up for bad foods” consumed
– Disconnected from hunger and fullness
Here are some more productive ways to help navigate this season – Use these questions below:
– Did you indulge because you wanted to or just because it was there?
– Did you exercise because it keeps you in a better state of mind or because you’d be overwhelmed with guilt if you didn’t?
– Did you eat balanced meals before the holiday dinner or did you skip them to “make room for calories?”
– Were you mindful of your hunger cues and stopped eating before becoming “I need to unbutton my pants full”?
– Were you intentional about making SOME healthy swaps or did you say to yourself, “What’s the point of trying? I’m going to overeat anyway.”
Despite what you hear or read, focus on how you want to feel and practice balance, daily. When you do this, you’ll be filled with pride, which will motivate you to keep going, no matter what time of year.
With Lots Of Healthy Love,
Toni
Menu
