Guilt Free Holiday Season

The holiday season is here! For many this is a time of joy and connection, but guilt around food and weight around the holidays are very real. Here are some quick tips to help reduce guilt around the holidays and increase feelings of joy and connection!

1. Avoid Skipping Meals- Many people will skip breakfast or eat less the day after a large meal, this can actually contribute to over eating in the future, not to mention you will feel really crabby! The best thing you can do is eat balanced meals before and after larger holidays to ensure your body is fueled properly! 

   
   

2. Engage in Joyful Movement- The idea of movement to compensate for eating can take away from the joy of the season. Instead, try engaging in movement that brings you joy and creates positive feelings about your body. For example, a walk and long talk with a friend, a brisk bike ride to get some fresh air, lifting weights and feeling strong, a slow flow yoga video to help you slow down and breathe.

   
   

3. Slow Down, Listen to Your Body- Take some deep breaths and tap into the messages your body is sending you and respond accordingly. Are you feeling hungry and need a snack? Tired and need to take a break from socializing and need a power nap? Are you feeling full and satisfied? 

   
   

4. Embrace the Left Overs- Remove the pressure to only get to eat holiday foods on one day, give yourself permission to eat your favorite foods in the form of left overs. 

   
   

5. Focus On What Really Matters- However you celebrate your holidays, try re-directing your focus towards the reason for the holiday. Who do you get to spend time with? Is there a family recipe that makes you feel connected with people who have passed? Is there a fun activity you can partake in, or can you give yourself permission for some quiet moments and self care? Is there a religious practice or family tradition you can engage in?

   
   

6. Walk the Walk and Talk the Talk Around Bodies and Food- If you would like a holiday season free of weight and diet talk and commenting on bodies, model that for others in how you speak about your body and the food you eat. You can ask others to do the same. This is a great time to pull out some boundary setting skills!

   
   

7. Practice Self Compassion- Self compassion is turning the compassion you have for others inwards towards yourself! Recognizing that you are an imperfect human just like everyone else who deserves grace can go a long way. You can learn more about self compassion here. 

Have a lovely holiday season! 

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Alice Mathews-Hardy, LICSW is a licensed independent clinical social worker and received her masters from Simmons University School of Social Work. She has worked in a variety of settings including higher education, nonprofits, and at an eating disorder treatment center before joining Looking Glass Counseling in 2022. 

Alice is interested in working with those experiencing eating disorders, body image concerns, anxiety, depression, OCD, and life changes. She is passionate about providing therapy that is compassionate, non judgmental and affirming of all identities. She is a Healthy at Every Size (HAES) and Body Liberation informed therapist. 

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