How to Stop Obsessing Over Food this Holiday Season
The holidays are a time for warmth, togetherness, and celebration, but for many, they can also bring heightened anxiety around food. If you find yourself constantly thinking about what you should or shouldn’t eat, you're not alone. The good news? It’s possible to break free from food obsession and enjoy the holidays with peace and confidence. Read more to learn how to stop obsessing over food this holiday season.
Why We Obsess Over Food
Food rules, dieting, and cultural pressures to maintain a certain weight or body size often fuel our preoccupation with food. When these thoughts dominate, they can rob us of the joy and connection that eating is meant to bring, especially during festive times.
But food is more than just fuel or a number on a scale—it’s part of culture, tradition, and celebration. The key to stopping obsessive thoughts about food lies in challenging the diet mentality and embracing a more intuitive, balanced approach to eating.
How to Stop Obsessing Over Food: Practical Tips
Fuel up. If you’re going to an all-you-can-eat buffet, is the answer to “save up” all day by restricting? No. The same goes for holidays. Don’t skip meals or snacks, as this will leave you over-hungry, deprived, and unable to truly enjoy the food when it finally comes around.
Let go of restrictive rules. Instead of focusing on “good” or “bad” foods, remind yourself that all foods can fit into a healthy relationship with eating. This shift reduces guilt and allows you to focus on satisfaction, not self-criticism.
Give yourself permission to enjoy food. When certain foods are labeled as off-limits, it can create a cycle of restriction and overindulgence. Allow yourself to enjoy all foods, remembering that a piece of pie or a serving of your favorite casserole isn’t “bad”—it’s part of a balanced relationship with eating.
Shut down diet talk. Create a safe space for yourself and others by eliminating negative food and body talk. Statements about weight and the latest fad diet do not contribute to healthy relationships in any arena – or celebration, for that matter! Leaving “fat talk” and the latest so-called “weight-loss-wonder” out of conversations gives everyone - including yourself - a chance to relax and eat freely, without judgment.
Practice mindful eating. Mindfulness can transform your relationship with food. Slow down during meals, savor each bite, and engage all your senses. This practice can help reduce anxiety and prevent overeating by making eating a fully enjoyable and present experience.
Find joy beyond food. Food is an important part of the holidays, but it’s not the only way to experience joy. Spend time doing activities that bring you happiness, like connecting with loved ones, enjoying movement, or resting when you need it.
Savor the foods you desire, and remember they can come again soon! Your favorite dish should not be limited to the holidays as this can sometimes cause anxiety and over-indulgence to the point of discomfort when the food is temporarily available. After all, life is for living, not restricting!
However you plan on spending the holidays, take the opportunity to care for yourself rather than put yourself down with guilt or shame. Now is a time for family, festivities, peace, and joy - embrace it! Don’t let food rules steal your joy and connection. 2018 will thank you.
For more support on building a positive relationship with food and sustainable habits that support your well-being, please reach out to us to schedule a session!