Navigating the Holidays Through a Non-Diet Lens
Written by Emily Fentie, RD
As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves bombarded with messages with guilt-inducing food narratives during this festive, food laden time. However, what if we shifted our focus from restriction to celebration, from guilt to compassion? In this blog, we'll explore ways to celebrate the holidays through a non-diet lens and how embracing compassion and joy can lead to a more supported and connected festive season.
The Pitfalls of Restricting Beforehand:
Holiday diets and restricting beforehand often promise quick fixes and temporary solutions. The cycle of restricting often interrupts our ability to enjoy the social connection that can be such an important part of the holidays. Often people try not to eat leading up to social or celebratory events. This can lead to hard to ignore hunger and subsequently an inability to focus on the people because you are so focused on the food. In addition to this, we know that binging can be a consequence of restriction. This mindset can lead to more stress, anxiety, and overall a negative impact on mental well-being.
Regular Nourishment:
Rather than turning toward restrictive eating, consider adopting a nourishing approach for your body. It is important to offer your body food regularly and consistently throughout the day to feel your best physically and emotionally. When you are better nourished, your capacity to truly enjoy this time of year is greater, leaving you the opportunity to truly savour the food and overall experience.
Food is Meant to be Pleasurable:
Diet culture tells us the holidays are a time to “over-indulge” in food. Instead of viewing certain foods as "off-limits," allow yourself to enjoy this food. If there are particular dishes you really love, perhaps it would be supportive to bring them into your day-to-day eating pattern. Shortbread cookies in February? Turkey in June? Why not! Food is meant to be pleasurable, it can offer connection to holiday traditions and that is a normal part of being human.
Rest & Movement:
Rest is important for our overall well-being. It can be so supportive to prioritize rest before, during and after any holiday events. Allow yourself the time to process the events you participate in and how they have affected you. If your body is craving movement, rather than viewing movement or exercise as a punishment for holiday eating, find joy and embodiment in movement. Explore activities that you genuinely enjoy, whether it's a winter walk, a dance party with friends, or chair yoga. This goes for anytime of year!
It’s More Than Just Food:
The holidays are about more than just food. Embrace the things you love about this time of year. It could be twinkling lights as you drive through your neighbourhood; the way the snow settles on tree branches; or the crackling of a fireplace. Shift the internal dialogue from weight, appearance and food to the experiences and memories you create during this special time.
This holiday season, we encourage you to honour what you need and what feels accessible for you. We hope that by working toward a positive relationship with food and caring for yourself, you can make the holidays a time of genuine joy and connection.
