Introduction
The holidays are here! Lights, music, parties—and food. So. Much. Food. It feels like every time you look up, there’s a new dessert on your plate. One moment you’re chatting about holiday movies, and the next, you're eating another slice of pie. (Wait…how did that happen?)
I’ve been there—saying yes to every offering with the enthusiasm of someone who’s forgotten they just ate dinner. I wasn’t hungry—I was just eating because it was there. But guess what? That habit didn’t make me feel great.
But here’s the thing: changing my relationship with food wasn’t about avoiding pie forever (who would want that?). It was about shifting my thoughts around food. And that simple change? It worked wonders. So, if you’re ready to enjoy the holidays without feeling like a walking cookie monster, let me show you how you can do this too!
How Automatic Thoughts Keep You Stuck (and Stuffed)
Picture this: You’re at a party, someone hands you a cookie, and your brain says, “It’s the holidays! You HAVE to eat it!” So, you eat it. Did you want it? Were you even hungry? Who knows—it’s already gone. Just because it was there.
That used to be me all the time. I thought saying no would be rude, so I’d eat whatever was offered (Spoiler: my waistline didn’t appreciate their kindness as much as I did) or because my brain said, “Come on, it’s just one little treat.” Except it was never just one. It was one, and then another, and oh look, there’s a plate of brownies! It was like giving the holiday buffet the keys to my goals and saying, “Here, you drive.” (Not my best move.)
So here’s the truth: saying no isn’t mean. It's okay to stop and ask yourself, “Do I actually want this?” Now, when someone offers me food, I pause. Just a quick moment to decide if I want it or not. That tiny pause changed everything for me.
Food Gifts: A Delicious Dilemma
Let’s talk about food gifts. You know, those cookies, fudge, or candies that seem to appear out of nowhere—like edible ninjas. I used to think, “Why is everyone out to ruin my diet?” and feel annoyed. My brain would scream, “Don’t they know I’m trying to eat better?!”
But instead of saying no, I’d eat all of it. (Because, you know, it’s “polite.”) And later, I’d feel bad—at myself, at the food, and even at the person who gave it to me. (Sorry, Aunt Carol.) Sound familiar?
Here’s what I’ve learned: People give food because they want to share joy and love—not to sabotage you. (Although Aunt Carol’s chocolate truffles do feel like a direct attack on your willpower.) Aunt Carol isn’t plotting against your waistline; she’s just excited about her truffle recipe.
Now, I look at those gifts and ask myself: “Do I really want this now?” When the answer is “no,” I save it for later or give it away guilt-free. This way, I don’t eat it just because it’s there. I only eat it if it feels right for me. Nobody gets their feelings hurt, and I don’t feel like I have to roll myself out of the room. Win-win.
Choosing Neutrality: The Secret Sauce (Not the Gravy)
If reacting with frustration isn’t helpful (it’s not) and blind gratitude isn’t working either (hello, extra 5 pounds), what’s left? Neutral thinking.
Neutral thinking is like pressing “pause” in your brain. It’s not about saying “yes” or “no” right away—it’s about giving yourself a moment to decide. Neutrality is like being the calm person in a crowd. It’s looking at the tray of cookies and thinking, “Okay, cool. I can have this now, later, or not at all.” No pressure, no guilt, no drama.
For example, if someone offers me a brownie, I don’t freak out or rush to eat it. I just pause and think, “Do I really want this?” Sometimes the answer is yes. Sometimes it’s no. Either way, I’m making the choice—not my sugar-loving gremlin brain.
When I started doing this, everything got easier. I stopped overeating out of guilt or habit. And you know what? It feels amazing.
Conclusion: Lighten Up (Your Plate, Not the Mood)
The holidays don’t have to mess up your progress. You can enjoy the fun AND feel good about your choices. Just pause, think, and decide what works for you.
Want some help? Let’s talk. Book a free call, and I’ll help you figure out how to enjoy the holidays without guilt—and maybe even feel proud of your choices.
Because the holidays should be about joy, not stress. And definitely not feeling like a stuffed turkey! 🎄
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