Holiday eating can be super challenging with all the gatherings and indulgences. For someone on a health and fitness journey, this time of year can be very intimidating. But not for long. After reading this, you will walk away with 3 practical, no-nonsense strategies to stop the holiday binge eating cycle, without feeling deprived or overwhelmed. 

These tips are designed to cut through the noise and help you enjoy the holiday season while staying mindful.

Change your mindset around holiday eating

Let’s be real, if you’re like most when it comes to eating around the holidays you probably fall into the “all-or-nothing” thinking. Here’s what I mean, you eat a cookie and think, well, I’ve already had one, might as well eat the whole tray. THIS IS A MINDSET TRAP!

The way to stop this is to adopt the mindset of “progress over perfection.” One indulgence is okay and doesn’t mean throwing the entire day away. If you want a slice of pie, enjoy it! Then, make a conscious decision about your next choice.

The important thing is to remember how you want to feel after the holidays. This will help guide your mind and your actions in the right direction. Food is part of the experience but it doesn’t define it!

Tune into your body with mindful eating

Many people stop listening to their body’s hunger cues during the holidays because they are eating for fun or out of stress. This leads to that binge cycle we are trying to stay away from. Here’s what you can do instead:

• Before eating, check in with your hunger level. Why are you eating?
• During meals, put your fork down between bites and notice the things you are experiencing (taste, texture, etc), and ask yourself if you’re satisfied halfway through. 
• POWER TIP: Drink water between meals and avoid grazing

Set boundaries and intentions without deprivation

Get rid of unrealistic expectations. Honestly, avoiding every single dessert this holiday is not realistic and you’re not going to be happy doing that. Deprivation leads to indulgence.

But that doesn’t mean you eat every dessert or eat dessert at every event. Instead, plan your indulgences. Know when you’ll allow yourself a treat and how much. Be intentional instead of reactive. Enjoy and move on!

Stopping the holiday binge cycle is all about balance – enjoying the holidays and feeling in control without the guilt or binge cycle. You can absolutely enjoy the holidays and take care of yourself at the same time. The key is mindfulness and intentionality, not perfection.

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If you liked this blog, here’s more for you!

MASTERING YOUR HOLIDAY EATING MINDSET: HERE

PRACTICAL WAYS TO FOCUS ON HEALTH DURING HOLIDAYS: HERE