I don’t know about you but as I gear up to fully enjoy and embrace this wonderful festive time of the year, I find that its natural to be excited about the festivities and the joy they bring. However, for me and I expect many of us women over 40, the holiday season can bring its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to managing emotional eating and drinking.
The fear of “overdoing it” and the ensuing negative feelings about ourselves and our bodies can cast a shadow over the celebrations.
HERE ARE FIVE SUGGESTIONS that I personally find helpful in managing my feelings around the consequences of being indulgent (and overthinking everything). Perhaps you do the same, or if you have other suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments.
Let’s navigate and embrace the festive period with joy, balance, and self-compassion.
- SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS: The festive period is a time for celebration, including enjoying special foods and drinks. Instead of imposing strict rules, aim for balance. Allow yourself to indulge in your favourite treats and drinks but in moderation and in a way that works best for you. Setting realistic expectations can help you avoid the guilt that often accompanies overindulgence.
2. REMEMBER TO BE MINDFUL WHEN EATING & DRINKING: Create a balance between enjoying the festivities and being mindful of what and how much you consume. I know first hand how the festive period can be emotionally triggering, whether from family gatherings, loneliness, or exhaustion.
Tune into your body – it’s a wise companion. If you find yourself emotionally driven to eat or drink, take a moment to listen and understand your mind and body. Trusting your body fosters a healthy relationship with food and allows you to enjoy the season without regrets.
3. STAY HYDRATED: Now, I’m not talking just about alcohol, well maybe a little.
When we overindulge, it tends to be with food rich in sugar and salt, both of which can be dehydrating, leading us to mistake thirst for hunger.
Make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day – I personally enjoy lots of tea or water with lemon or fresh mint. I’m also that person who has a glass of water when I drink wine; it’s a habit for me now.
Scientists have discovered that women produce smaller quantities of the enzyme that helps break down alcohol as we age, so staying hydrated can help mitigate the after-effects of indulgence.
4. KEEP ACTIVE: If you can incorporate regular movement during the festive season, whether it’s dancing to your favourite festive tunes or taking a leisurely stroll. Physical activity is not just good for your body but also for your mind. I walk almost every day and know how much I can rely on it to keep me balanced. I recommend it – hopefully, you have more free time during the festive season and can take longer walks. Use this time as an opportunity to reconnect with loved ones or enjoy some alone time. Dream about what you want to achieve in 2024, and if you need inspiration, subscribe below to my weekly emails and as a bonus you will receive the ELEVATEpathway checklist to help get you started.
5. PLAN AHEAD: Celebrate with family and friends by planning your meals and snacks in advance. Having an idea of ‘what’s on the menu’ allows you to make conscious choices, ensuring you enjoy the treats without feeling overwhelmed. Personally, I leave buying tempting treats to the last minute to avoid temptation. Once they are in the cupboard, it’s like they speak to me, saying, “eat me now Sarah.”
Another strategy for me is to invite friends over between Christmas and New Year, creating an opportunity for fun and shared indulgence, sparing me the burden of leftover treats. We can have a good time, and I won’t be left with all the cheese, wine, and chocolate on my hips!
Finally, my dear, be kind to yourself, and revel in the joy of the festive season. It’s not about perfection but about cherishing moments with loved ones and, most importantly, with ourselves.