Using Intuitive Eating During the Holidays

--by Nicole Holt, RD

The holiday season can be a difficult time of the year for those who struggle with an eating disorder. It is a time of the year where family gatherings, work parties, and holiday activities are often centered on food and impressing others. On the other hand, the holidays can be an opportunity to stand up to your eating disorder and practice intuitive eating skills. Let’s go over some intuitive eating concepts to help you feel confident as we enter the holiday season.

As an Intuitive Eater, you know:

• ·      If you restrict your intake throughout the day to compensate for a dinner party, you are most likely going to be overly hungry at the party and eat until uncomfortably full.

• ·      If you eat past fullness, do not panic. The feeling of fullness will likely pass in less than a half hour. In the meantime, you can distract yourself with a conversation about gratitude, or a holiday song!

• ·      It is your right to honor your fullness and say "no thank you" to seconds or dessert.

• ·      If you want seconds, you are free to eat them without feeling guilt, judgment or the need to exercise, or purge, to compensate.

• ·      All foods fit in a healthy diet, including stuffing, pie, and whatever else our society labels as unhealthy!

• ·      You are the expert on your body.  Nobody can feel your hunger and fullness but you.

Being an intuitive eater doesn’t mean you are perfect. Sometimes it means that you eat more because it tastes good. It can also mean creating an escape from an eating situation because you are overwhelmed and need a minute to yourself. Whatever it may be, have faith in your intuitive eating skills this holiday season.