Soul Food for the Holidays, Part 3

Rather than give in to an inevitable feeling of impending doom it is time that YOU take

back this Holiday Season.  Make your holidays be what you want them to be.  Turn this

season into a time when you do special things you wouldn't ordinarily do.  Acknowledge

your friends, let them know how you feel about them or any special things they have

done over the year. Be creative and pro active. For example, instead of just celebrating

traditional holidays the way your church or synagogue has taught or the way those

who sell merchandise want you to, learn about the original celebrations of the winter

solstice and how people celebrated the longest night of the year. In Eastern customs,

the ancient Chinese believed that the yin qualities of darkness and cold

were at their most powerful point at the winter solstice, but it was also the

turning point that gave way to the light and warmth of yang. Predating Christianity,

ancient winter solstice celebrations included rituals of light and fire which both

helped beat back winter's ominous gloom and actively recognized that brighter

days were just ahead. If you celebrate Christmas or Hanukah, find ways to

add your own meaning and symbolism to the customary traditions.

 

These tips are useful for anyone who wants to make their holiday experience the best it

can be.

 

Tip # 1             Don't focus on the food.  Make a list of all the other things that you can pay attention to at holiday parties or family gatherings such as, seeing old friends, singing together, decorating things, making gifts.

 

Tip # 2              Put things in perspective.

·      Remember that a holiday party, and the holiday gatherings in general, are really just a short period of time. There is an end in sight.

·      Be aware that things do not have to be perfect

·      Even if you feel like you make mistakes, over eat or don’t handle things well, you can use these incidents as lessons to learn from.

Tip # 3            Balance is the key                 

·      Focus on cans not cant’s.

·      There are no “bad” foods, just bad eating habits.

·      Don't deny yourself, but don’t ignore body signals such as fullness.

·      Avoid all or nothing/black or white thinking and behavior.

·      Plan to indulge some.  Take some risks, eat things you usually don’t “allow” yourself to, but take small steps in doing so.

·      Don't be on or off a diet. Instead be on a healthy, balanced overall eating plan.

·      Take/make the time for fun activities, invite friends to decorate, go to the pumpkin patch or tree farm, or caroling.

·      Bake with your kids or friends and bring the goods to homeless shelters or others who are need.

·      Make sure to find other festive ways to celebrate the holidays without involving food.

           

Tip # 4       Plan ahead

·      If you are going to attend a party, plan your food accordingly if you know it will be a problem, for example you might be able to skip your afternoon snack and have dessert t a party instead.  If you are in treatment be sure to check this out with your dietitian or therapist.

·      Plan special time for yourself to "get away" from the holiday stress. Get a manicure, go to the park, take a bubble bath.

·       Bring food treats to a party that you are comfortable with as a gift to your host or hostess.

 

Tip # 5            Be on the offense not the defense

·      If your relatives are coming to you,  you can take control and be responsible for the food and activities.

·      Have plenty of things to do to take your mind off of food – trimming the tree, movies, walks, holiday shopping, picnics at park, time at the beach.

·      If you have a problem with a relative but have to see them over the holidays, take responsibility for making it better/livable – write a letter or take the person aside and talk.

·      Create your own image of family not the idyllic t.v. family. Know what is realistic for you and your loved ones.

·      Let the people you love know what a gift they are to you already.

·      Don't see things as an obligation, if you can't…. then don't, or if possible do things differently.

·      Instead of going commercial, make your own cards……this is much easier with computers and printers these days …..but even get out your old, our your child’s, colored pencils or crayons or water colors and really “make” your own.

·      Spend time spreading good will and showering people with love.

·      Know that peace on earth starts with you and how you handle your relationships

 

These tips won’t ensure that there will be no problems or that your holidays will be

exactly as you would like, but they can help things be more enjoyable and less

stressful. It’s important to figure out what works for you and to remember that you have a

part in making your holiday all that it can and is supposed to be.

 

 

Comments

[Crystal (Eating Recovery Center)]

This is a very helpful advice for navigating eating during the holiday season. For more helpful information on eating disorders, specifically for blogging, Eating Recovery Center, a behavioral hospital focused on comprehensive treatment and sustainable recovery for eating disorders based in Denver, has developed this Blogger’s Guide to Eating Disorders (http://www.docstoc.com/docs/19664129/Bloggers-Guide-to-Eating-Disorders). This guide offers information and resources to support your stories about America’s deadliest mental illness.

Crystal (Eating Recovery Center)