Emotional eating is EXTRA tricky during the holidays. Stress, sadness and Christmas foods all around. We gotta talk about it!! The post Emotional Eating at Christmas appeared first on Bariatric Food Coach.
Sadness, Stress and Emotional Eating at Christmas
What a bariatric dietitian wants you to know about stress, loneliness, boredom and emotional eating – especially at Christmas
The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, love, and celebration. And it is!
However, it can also be a time of stress, sadness, and emotional eating with all the Christmas foods around. The combination of increased social obligations, financial strain, and family dynamics can lead to seasonal cravings and emotional eating. Not to mention if you’re missing a loved one at the happiest time of year.
In this video blog article, we will explore the reasons behind stress and sad eating at Christmas time and offer some tips for managing – and enjoying – the season.
Don’t forget to grab your free copy of my 2023 Holiday Planner!
The Link Between Stress and Eating
Stress and emotional eating often go hand in hand. When we are feeling overwhelmed or anxious, we may turn to food as a way to cope with our emotions.
There are several reason why and many of them have to do with our biology. I dive DEEP into this in my Emotional Eating Course.
Not only does increased cortisol drive hunger for high-fat and sugar foods, but those foods also trigger the release of feel-good chemicals in our brains. Dopamine. This can provide temporary relief from stress and negative emotions. However, this type of eating can quickly become a habit and lead to weight gain and other health issues. Take heart – you CAN manage this.
Emotional Eating and Bariatric Surgery Blog Article
Seasonal Cravings
During the holiday season, we are bombarded with images of delicious, indulgent foods. From Christmas cookies to eggnog to holiday roasts, these treats can trigger intense cravings, especially for those who struggle with emotional eating.
These cravings can be even stronger for those who have a history of using food as a coping mechanism. The combination of stress and seasonal cravings can make it difficult to resist overeating during the holidays.
Pay attention to your food environment and control your controllables. You might be able to control all the food around you, but you CAN control keeping water with you, planning ahead for your meals, getting to bed at a good time and keeping movement in your day. Those habits will help you think more clearly when temptations come.
Eating Therapy
If you find yourself turning to food for comfort during the holiday season, it may be helpful to seek out eating therapy. This type of therapy focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying emotional issues that contribute to overeating. A therapist can help you develop healthier coping mechanisms and strategies for managing stress and emotions without turning to food. They can also provide support and accountability as you work towards breaking the cycle of emotional eating.
If you happen to live in Kansas or Missouri, I highly recommend working with Sarah Miller LCPC. She’s featured in my After the Honeymoon course on the topic of “Self Sabotage.”
Managing Christmas Stress Eating
In addition to seeking out therapy, there are some practical steps you can take to manage stress and sad eating during the holidays. These include:
Taking care of your 5 Bariatric Health Pillars
Prioritizing self-care: Make time for activities that help you relax and recharge, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones.
Setting boundaries: It’s okay to say no to social events or obligations that feel overwhelming. Focus on what is most important to you and don’t feel guilty for saying no.
Planning ahead: If you know you will be attending a holiday party or family gathering, plan ahead by eating a healthy meal beforehand. This can help prevent overeating on indulgent foods.
Practicing mindful eating: Pay attention to your body’s hunger and fullness cues and try to eat slowly and mindfully. This can help you enjoy your food more and prevent overeating.
Finding alternative coping mechanisms: Instead of turning to food, find other ways to manage stress and emotions, such as journaling, talking to a friend, or engaging in a hobby.
Don’t go at it alone!
The holiday season can be a challenging time for those who struggle with stress and emotional eating. And that’s one of the many reasons why I created Premier Access to Bariatric Food Coach!
Join our community full of encouraging members to help you gain ideas and inspiration to feel your best, every month of the year!
Find out about membership here!
The post Emotional Eating at Christmas appeared first on Bariatric Food Coach.