THIS ARTICLE IS Republished from Conversation under one Creative Commons License.
Christmas can be a time of unity, fun and relaxation. However, it can also present unique challenges—especially for those struggling with food anxiety, weight concerns, or eating disorders.
There are many reasons why the holidays can be a difficult time for people struggling with eating concerns. Holidays can be frequent exaggerated emotions such as stress, anxiety, isolation and grief.
Therefore, some people may turn to food for comfort and solace. Stuck in the house Festivals or cold weather can also encourage overeating and worsen the condition. eating irregularly.
Another problem is that there is a barrage of health and diet messages throughout the year telling us what we need to do. What you should and shouldn’t eat. However, during the holidays, advertising and cultural messages often encourage overindulgence.
This can leave people even more confused about what to eat – or make them feel guilty if they indulge in festive food. Add to that social pressures—not wanting to say “no” to invitations that might involve eating more than usual.
For those struggling with disordered eating habits, the holiday season can feel like a minefield. Christmas celebrations often revolve around large, communal meals and encouragements to enjoy. This may trigger complex and sometimes painful feelingscausing some people to avoid family and social gatherings.
Eating disorders often involve developing habits around eating habits. For people with eating disorders, eating in public can cause feelings of stress, fear, or judgment. feel overwhelmed by focusing on food.
The festive period can be even more stressful for those struggling with both poor eating habits and money concerns. During the festive period, shops and advertisements tempt us with expensive, luxurious foods.
For those facing money worries, the added pressure of spending over Christmas can cause feelings of inadequacy and shame.
While this time of year is certainly difficult to get moving, if you are someone who is struggling with an eating disorder or worried about weight and food, there are some strategies you can do. Use to get over it.
Avoid Feast and Famine
The new year often comes with pressure to cancel holiday indulgences — causing many people to consider crash diets. However, extreme diets can be harmful to both physical and mental health.
Instead of falling into the trap of “hunger” during the holiday season, try finding ways to balance your passions with healthy habits. Instead of eating a decadent dessert right after a meal, try going for a walk with your partner or family. The craving may have disappeared by the time you return.
