Trush file
The holiday season has once again snuck up on us and if you're worried about over-indulging, feeling too exhausted or overwhelmed to enjoy the festivities and anxious about constantly overeating, you are definitely not alone!
Autumn is a busy time: getting ready to wrap up the year at work, making sure all the preparations are ready for Thanksgiving and gifts arrive in time for Christmas, not to mention the multiple Christmas parties in a week! That can easily imbalance the immune system, drain the energy and make festivities a chain of never-ending stress, rather than the pleasure that it's supposed to be.
It's all too easy to put health and self-care on the back burner and embrace Thanksgiving overeating and Christmas binging. However, if you want to enter the New Year and January feeling good about your food relationship and routines (and stay there), you might need to take a couple of steps to make sure that festivities run smoothly.
Check out some of the simple things you can do to reduce overeating during the holidays and lower the classic festive health setbacks.
The Statistics on Thanksgiving Overeating and Christmas Binging
According to the "Writing Off The Holidays" survey of 2,000 American dieters, 64% of people actively delay their health efforts and allow for overeating on special foods during the holidays. Also `Aallowing about 7-9 pounds of weight gain in this period.
In fact, 39% of participants admit to feeling "unwell and full to the point of bursting and even wore stretchy clothes to accommodate overeating”, which sounds concerning in terms of maintaining a positive relationship with food.
Interestingly, a 2023 study published by the American Psychological Association found that during the festive season, social norms centred around food are changed to such an extent, that people struggle to “get back to normal” for at least another month after festivities.
That means that festivities that start with Thanksgiving overeating, may last as long as up to February. And it may be affecting physical health, as well as having an equally strong impact on the relationship with food and increased binge-eating and emotional eating tendencies.
How to avoid Overeating During the Holidays
Although social expectation to overindulge is strong during the festive seasons, there are ways to enjoy great holiday meals and treats without going overboard, feeling guilty or giving up your health goals. Here are a few practical tips on how to do just that and avoid food coma:
Eat breakfast, always
Even if you had a massive Thanksgiving or Christmas meal the night before or had plenty of alcohol, make sure that you still have a small breakfast to start the day. During festivities, it is too easy to get out of balance by skipping meals and getting into a chaotic routine with food, which in turn brings your blood sugar out of whack. Make sure you stick to daily breakfast, you will thank yourself in January!
2. Make protein a priority
If you're waking up sluggish and are having mince pies, potatoes and bread to keep you going, chances are you could benefit from some extra protein to give you energy, help you recover from Thanksgiving overeating and help reduce further cravings.
Add extra egg, fish or turkey with your main meals or add nuts, seeds and tofu if you're vegetarian/ vegan. Aim that at least ¼ of your meal is protein to help restore the balance on the plate.
3. Quality snacks
The festive season is an unfortunate cocktail of enormous queues and delays, delicious food choices everywhere and unplanned scenarios that can promote overeating during the holidays. Save yourself from getting ravenously hungry, increased cravings and overeating at an office party, by getting ahead and preparing. Make sure you always have quality snacks available in your bag, at work or in your car.
Prep some boiled eggs with vegetable sticks, hummus and crackers, nuts and seeds with fruit, a small bottle of kefir and a handful of berries are some suggestions to keep you going. Protein bars without additives, flavouring and artificial sweeteners can be especially useful as they keep well.
4. Don't ditch your greens
Let's face it, the festive season is a time when a lot of beige food is available. Although tasty and exciting for a few times, after consumed regularly even just for a few days or a week it will make you feel sluggish and lethargic as your greens, yellows and reds (and the rest of the rainbow) are where the most potent antioxidants and fibre lives. And you certainly need those during festivities to avoid cravings, Christmas binging and festive constipation!
If you don't fancy Brussel's sprouts, make sure you order a side salad with your meals or bring in a selection of roast autumn vegetables with your lunches. Don't wait till January to give your body what it truly needs.
Get your FREE Cheatsheet
9 Mindset Mistakes
that keep you stuck
in the Binge Cycle
5. Go easy on the booze
Aim to be a smart drinker and be aware of your limits. How do you want to feel the next day? Consider if the 3 extra drinks are really worth the next day's headache and hangover as part of the Christmas binging feast. And most importantly- are they really as enjoyable as the first or second one?
Make sure you drink alcohol with your meals or after, rather than on an empty stomach. Also, sip plenty of water between your drinks to help the body detoxify alcohol more easily and avoid the next day's hangover.
6. There's a herbal tea for everything
It is super important to consistently drink around 2l of fluids during the festive season. However, you may not feel too excited about drinking a glass of water when in the middle of the winter and may be seeking nourishing, comforting drinks.
Instead of drinking juice, sodas and sugary drinks, which may increase your sugar cravings, get a nice collection of tasty herbal teas, which can feel as nourishing and delicious in the cooler months.
There's a bunch of herbal teas to choose from that can support your health this festive season- choose peppermint to help reduce bloating, ginger and lemon if you're feeling under the weather or chamomile if you're struggling with sleep.
7. Take time out
When you are least able to take some precious time for yourself, this is when it may be the most necessary to do exactly that. You are not a machine with an unlimited flow of energy and mental power, you certainly need to rest and restore to keep going.
Time for yourself doesn't have to be a luxurious 2-hour bath every night (although it can be!) but aim to find a quiet 10-minute break with a cup of tea and no technology daily. Or delegating some gift-wrapping or house chores just to put your feet up for a little while and give your body what it's asking of you (without any guilt!).
8. Roam in nature
Even if it's pouring outside and it's grey, head out with no phone for at least 10-15 min daily to clear your head and get some fresh air.
University of Exeter study of 19,806 participants found that individuals who spent at least two hours per week in nature were significantly more likely to report optimum health and increased mental wellbeing than those who did not.bgnv hgfhtbv
So consider taking some time to connect with nature during this festive season. Whether it's a walk in a local park or some time in your garden. Perhaps putting up the festive lanterns? Whatever it is, aim to immerse yourself in nature for much-needed stress relief from the holiday chaos. That could be enough to start the overwhelming Thanksgiving overeating and Christmas binging.
9. Remember quality ZZZs
Following the rhythms of nature, during the dark months of the winter, we're supposed to sleep more, not less. So if work and life commitments are stealing your precious sleep time, you need to be vigilant about getting the extra quality sleep that your body needs.
Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep daily in the winter and avoid missing a few hours of sleep on consecutive nights, as it will negatively impact your mental health, imbalance blood sugar boost sugar cravings and increase stress response. Not exactly what you need as the next Christmas party is approaching.
10. Say NO
Learn to start saying no. NO to seeing toxic relatives when possible (or at least reduce the visit time). NO to the third mince pie when you know you're almost bursting, but are worried about holiday weight gain. And NO to taking on extra unpaid work, because you think you should, although you are exhausted and just about getting through the day.
Although it's not always easy, let go of guilt of what others think or don't, if your body is screaming to stop and rest. If you want to maintain a helpful relationship with food this festive season, learning to listen and honour your body is key.
Learn to also stay assertive. It's important to stay kind and polite, but assertive and graciously decline with phrases like, "Everything looks delicious, but I have no room left" or a simple "No, thank you." Say NO to food pushers, who strongly encourage you to try "just one more bite" or insist you taste every dish on the table
11. Enjoy Yourself
And most importantly, enjoy what the festive season brings. It's about human connection and getting together, reconnecting with people and having a joyful time. If unhealthy food relationship is a huge issue for you, try to focus on the activities, the people and the connections instead. And don't forget to enjoy yourself !
What to Do if Thanksgiving Overeating or Christmas Binging Gets Out Of Hand
If you find that overeating during the holidays has become a major problem for you, there are several things to keep in mind.
First, learn to recognize that overeating is not an indicator of failure or lack of willpower. Instead of beating yourself up, use the experience as an opportunity for self-reflection and to develop better strategies for next time.
Second, seek out professional advice if necessary. Consulting a registered dietitian, nutritionist or nutritional therapist, that specifically supports people with disordered eating patterns may help you come up with an effective plan of action to prevent overeating during the holidays moving forward.
Mantras to Use to Stop Overeating During the Holidays
When it comes to Thanksgiving overeating and Christmas binging, a few positive mantras can help you stay on track. Whenever you feel the urge to overindulge or feel social pressure, keep using one of these phrases that resonate with you:
- "I respect my body and want to nourish it well."
- "This will be delicious as leftovers later."
- "I respect my fullness and I choose to stop now."
- " I can make this again anytime I want."
- "My health is more important than anything else."
- "I can enjoy food fully by practicing mindful eating."
- "I don't need to do what everyone else is doing."
- "I'm enough exactly as I am."
These mantras can help to put things into perspective and remind you that overeating during the holidays doesn't define who you are or how much willpower you have.
The Bottom Line
Finally, remember that IT'S OK to enjoy the holiday season. It usually involves special holiday foods, family, friends and fun activities—all of which are super valuable for your mental and physical health in the darker months of the year.
Rather than depriving yourself or feeling guilty for indulging a little, try to commit to keeping a balance with your food habits for the majority of the time.
A little bit of planning can go a long way when it comes to overeating during the holidays. Follow the tips above and you can make it through the festive season without feeling like you've deprived yourself!
Happy Holidays! 🎄🎉🥂
FAQ About Overeating During the Holidays
Why do I overeat during the holidays, and how can I prevent it this year?
The festive season is packed with special foods, festive gatherings, emotional triggers and stress. Aim to focus on nourishing yourself well ahead of gatherings, keep regularity of meals and eat slowly when in social gatherings.How can I enjoy holiday foods without feeling guilty or overeating?
Firstly, it's important to allow yourself some festive foods, otherwise you will feel deprived and overeat or binge. Aim to slow down and become more mindful with your meals and take some time to refocus on self-care around the festivities.What strategies can help me avoid overeating at holiday parties or events?
Make sure you plan ahead: eat nourishing meals in the day and don't have long breaks between meals. Add protein to your meals. Focus on the social aspect, on the conversations and less on the food. Plate up smaller portions and eat them mindfully. You will also find some useful tips in the full article.- How can I navigate temptations and food triggers during the holiday season?
Plan ahead by identifying your most common triggers and make an action plan ahead of each event. Aim to identify boundaries with food and people and prepare to face food pushers. - What should I do if I tend to emotionally eat during the holidays?
Don't leave it up to chance or completely deprive yourself! Aim to prepare, recognize your emotional triggers, boundaries with others and make a plan. Remember to include self-care, good nourishment and rest. More strategies available in the full article.
Whether it's Aunt Jane insisting that you have that last piece of her special lemon drizzle cake or your friends rooting for you to finish your entire Christmas roast at a party to “save room for dessert,'' I'm sure you had plenty of encounters with food pushers before.
In fact, nearly 44% of participants in the American Dietetic Association survey reported experiencing pressure from family or friends to eat more than they wanted to. It can also be tricky to do in a marathon of holiday parties.
Do you often struggle to say NO to food and succumb to peer pressure around your food choices? Then it can be useful to come up with some coping strategies to respond to food pushers with assertiveness. These strategies can be incredibly useful to remember and practice if you struggle with your relationship with food and habits.
Whether it's simply overeating and having a few too many, looking after health and sensibly managing weight or suffering from diagnosed eating disorders, it's important to assert your boundaries to have an enjoyable time.
Here are a few of my favourite techniques to help respond to food pushers when you truly have had enough. These strategies can help you stick to your food preferences, especially around the holiday season.
Get your FREE Cheatsheet
9 Mindset Mistakes
that keep you stuck
in the Binge Cycle
Understanding Food Pushers
It can be hard to say no to food when you're feeling pressured by a food pusher. To make it easier, try to understand where they are coming from, are they trying to show love and care? Are they just being polite? Are they proud of the food they made and do they seek appreciation?
Understanding why someone is food pushing on you can help you come up with an appropriate response. “Food pushers” are a special breed of humans, that tend to “push” food onto others for various reasons: it could be to show love, cover their insecurities about eating, low self-worth or purely due to learnt habitual patterns.
Take a step back. Remind yourself that this person is probably just trying to show you care and love in their own awkward way. They are not necessarily trying to make you feel uncomfortable or force you into making unhealthy food choices.
Sure, it's a challenge if you are trying to maintain a healthy diet without sugars or ultra-processed food. Or perhaps you don't eat a variety of foods that your friends or family eat due to a health condition. Whatever it may be, there are strategies to help to keep you on your health journey. Perhaps even personal conversations with food pushers may be necessary.
In dealing with food pushers, compassion is key. Embrace the fact that they are likely acting from a place of good intentions, rather than malice. They might be expressing their love, showcasing their cooking skills, or they might just be trying to make you comfortable by applying their unique worldview. It's crucial to be firm, yet kind in your response.
Simple Strategies to Say NO to Food Pushers
While it can be challenging to say no to food pushers, understand that it's completely okay to prioritize your health and dietary needs over the feelings of others. Yes, even if it's your loved ones or your family.
You have the right to make choices for your well-being. Your physical, mental and emotional health and needs are your priority. Sometimes you may need to say NO to healthy food if your body is clearly letting you know it has had enough.
Therefore, learn to say no to food pushers without guilt and stick to your decision. Do it with kindness, patience and a caring self-love. After all, respecting your body and its needs is the highest form of self-care.
When these situations are handled with transparency, clarity and kindness, it is very unlikely that the person on the other end will get upset if you say no to food. And they do, always remember that you have the right to say NO.
Check out some of my favourite strategies to be transparent and say no to food pushers:
Be kind
For some people offering food and especially treats serves as a way to show deep love, care and appreciation. Although this can be very common with older generation people, especially those who survived wars or poverty, it can also depend on the person's habits and upbringing.
Be kind, understanding and considerate, as rudely rejecting the food may hurt their feelings and self-esteem. Accept the gesture of love, but turn down the food in a gentle way: “Thank you so much, this looks incredible”, “Wow, everyone will love this” and “Thank you so much, I will certainly have it later.”
Focus on replacing “no” with “thank you' and aim to complement their efforts and care.
Be firm and assertive
Saying no is a skill that needs to be developed over time, but it requires frequent practice to get comfortable with it, yet remain polite and considerate. Certain techniques can help you to stay assertive without giving in or creating tension in the relationship or the environment at the table.
Assertiveness involves using “I” statements and being transparent and honest about your own feelings. For example, you can say “I am not hungry” or “I think I have had enough for today”.
“I am not hungry”
This may only work when you are being offered food that's unplanned and unexpected. The approach of kindness still applies, but you can always explain: “I have just eaten” or “I had enough for now, thank you” or “I wouldn't enjoy it as much as it deserves as I am full.”
If you are open to tasting or having the offered food later, the person may offer some to take with you. Be prepared to say no (or yes) in that case too.
“Broken record”
This is hands down my favourite technique as it demonstrates certainty and communicates your needs clearly, yet still is polite and considerate. “Broken record” is a technique to handle any objections and it stops the likelihood of any justification, explanations and continuation on the topic.
Simply say “No, thank you” with a big smile on your face and if the person insists you have more, just keep saying “no, thank you”. There is great power in simplicity.
However, if you generally don't feel comfortable saying no, this may feel difficult for you to say and you may feel tense. If you don't feel confident saying NO, then the person offering you food may sense that and try harder thinking that you're “just shy” or “you need more encouragement”.
So try to say it loudly and clearly and remember to always stay kind and keep your health goals in the forefront.
Use humour
Humour is a good way to make things light-hearted and diffuse the tension in the situation. Say “thank you” first and if appropriate make a joke that feels right to the situation.
Perhaps turn it towards them and ask: “Sounds like you would like more? Go for it"
This way you will take the pressure off yourself and reassure them it is OK to have some more.
Remember, that some people may want you to eat so they have permission to do so as well. You can praise them for the delicious food, special dishes or snacks you've already eaten. Reassure them you would have more if only you had space.
Or make it super light-hearted like "Chips are my FAVOURITE. I'd love to have more room."
“I will take leftovers/ have it later”
If you are unsuccessful with other strategies or you simply know that the person will not stop asking until you agree, you can always delay the consumption of the food. Just say “Although I am not hungry right now, I would love to have it later” or “I will certainly take some leftovers with me as I have no space left now”.
Avoid too much food talk at the table
Do you know that you are having dinner with a person you consider a food pusher? Then make sure you prepare. Give compliments for the food present and be kind, but avoid getting stuck around the subject of food and keep changing topics.
Although it is very common to talk about food, especially in groups and social circles who have long experience with dieting, aim to diffuse the importance of food as the centre of the gathering and choose other topics that bring you closer together.
How to Say NO to Food Pushers: Honesty is the Best Policy
Sometimes in the case of food pushers, honesty is the best policy. However, you may only know who this will work with and who may not react well or be understanding and compassionate. Explain where you are at with your health goals, mental health and where your challenges lie.
In some situations, it is even a good idea to talk to the person before the time you arranged to eat together and explain, especially if it is a bigger gathering. Share your journey if you feel it's the right thing for you and ask for the support you need.
Remember, if they really care about you, then they will at least try to understand your needs and really listen (if they are able to). Have faith in yourself, stay positive and be proud of your great progress and effort!
Take the time to appreciate your body's needs and set boundaries around food and people for yourself. Chances are, you will feel much better after saying ‘no thank you' to food pushers. Start with small steps and have faith in yourself. You can do it!
The Bottom Line
It is important to respect and honour your own boundaries when it comes to food pushers. Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself. Understand that sometimes you have to say NO to make room for better things. Believe that you know what the healthy choice is for you personally. And that saying no without drama is possible!
In the end, it is up to you to protect your health and mindset around food, if you feel it can be an issue in certain social settings. You have the right to say NO and make sure that it is respected! Say no to food pushers without drama and be proud for standing up for yourself, it's a really big deal.
Assertively setting firm boundaries can create a healthier and more balanced life, even if it feels alien to start with. Don't be shy to say NO without feeling guilty. Take the time to appreciate yourself and the positive intentions of others, with compassion. And don't be afraid to politely stand up for your health needs!
FAQ About Saying NO to Food Pushers
How can I politely decline food offers without offending the host or others in gatherings and parties?
Expressing gratitude and politely declining mostly works if you feel assertive and confident. However, there are quite a few strategies described in the article above for those situations when it's harder to decline.What should I do if the food pusher insists or questions my decision to decline?
Stay polite but firm and assertive in your decision and remember you have the right to say no. Avoid engaging in a debate. You can find more strategies in the full article above.How can I navigate social situations where food pushers are persistent or forceful?
Stay firm, polite and clear about your boundaries. You can try and divert the topic away from food or ask some thought-provoking questions. Remember you have the right to say NO and to make decisions about your wellbeing.- Can I lie about my dietary restrictions or allergies to avoid food pushers?
Generally it's a good idea (and an ethical one too) to be transparent about your reason for declining food, as it can get you into sticky situations otherwise. Look for other strategies to decline food pushers respectfully in the full article. - How can I handle well-meaning relatives or friends who insist on me trying their food and special dishes?
Express your gratitude and appreciation and stay firm in your decision to decline. Some further strategies described in the full article include trying a small portion and taking some with you.
The festive season can be particularly tricky for those, who struggle with overeating, binge eating and their relationship with food. Just the sheer amount of richer and sweeter foods available can increase stress alone. Mixed with huge amounts of stress and difficult family dynamics means that food can become an unhelpful coping strategy. This is where Holiday, Thanksgiving and Christmas affirmations can help.
Research shows that positive affirmations can be useful in increasing mental resilience and even help improve the function of the immune system. And, if used well, it can become a powerful tool to handle holiday stress.
Do you struggle with food much more over the holidays? Then it may be sensible to prepare for the festive season ahead. Affirmations, or positive statements that resonate with you are designed to create a shift in your perception and mindset towards a "trouble area" of your life, such as overeating and binging.
Check out some of my favourite affirmations for this time of the year. Here you will find 42 Thanksgiving and Christmas affirmations, as well as some additional 42 New Year and Holiday affirmations. These are the periods when my clients and students struggle with food the most.
How to Use Holiday Affirmations
When it comes to using affirmations, repetition and consistency are key. Choose to repeat your personal affirmation every day and slowly you will begin to create a new neural pathway in the brain. And that will help you create change in thought patterns and behaviours around habits linked to overeating, binge or emotional eating.
If Thanksgiving is just around the corner, you certainly don't need to use ALL of the Thanksgiving affirmations to prepare. Instead, choose ONE that really resonates with you and makes sense to you personally.
Equally, you may want to have a couple of affirmations ready for specific situations. Let's say you really struggle with self-care and leftovers at Christmas because you traditionally celebrated it at your house.
In that case, pick a couple of Christmas affirmations that resonate with you around self-care and connecting to your body to leave the leftovers, instead of overeating or binging.
You can use holiday affirmations in different ways:
- Repeat out loud or in your head (I suggest doing it at least 3-5 times in a go, a few times per day)
- Write down on a piece of paper and read out loud.
- Record yourself saying the affirmations and listen to them regularly, or
- Listen to guided meditations with the affirmations as part of it.
At first, using affirmations may feel unnatural and alien, but aim to connect to the message that the positive statement has for you and most importantly, FEEL it in your body when you say it.
Try to use your chosen affirmation for at least 21 consecutive days for best results, which means you may want to start as you are preparing for the festivities ahead.
21 Positive Thanksgiving Affirmations
Thanksgiving, the first one in a row of the festive marathon, can bring a set of challenges, such as holiday preparations, emotional triggers linked to gatherings and family dynamics.
The societal focus on feasting and indulgence can trigger feelings of anxiety and guilt, in response to trigger foods, as well as further overeating and binging.
Therefore it's crucial to take time to prepare and set your mindset straight. This is where Thanksgiving affirmations can help you have a more conscious approach and help make it possible to navigate the Thanksgiving period with grace and self-compassion.
Some of my favourite Thanksgiving affirmations you can use now:
- I am grateful for each learning on the journey towards making peace with food.
- This Thanksgiving I choose gratitude over lack.
- This will be even tastier as leftovers.
- I don’t have to do/eat what everyone else is doing/eating.
- It’s OK to feel my emotions.
- I chose to take care of myself this Thanksgiving.
- I choose to listen to my body when it’s had enough.
- I am grateful for everything my body allows me to do.
- I can sit with discomfort, because it won’t last forever.
- I am learning to trust my body.
- I will get through and learn from this.
- I give myself permission to enjoy food and release guilt.
- My happiness is a priority.
- No food is off-limits, as long as I am mindful.
- I am learning how to be present with food.
- I give myself the freedom to eat for pleasure and nourishment.
- Emotional eating and binging are losing their power on me.
- I choose to prioritise self-care this Thanksgiving.
- I am proud of how far I have come in my journey to make peace with food for good.
- I choose to be kind with myself today.
- Today, I am in control of my food choices.
21 Positive Christmas Affirmations
Christmas certainly brings its own unique challenges, especially when it comes to food. The festive season is a huge mix of indulgent meals, sweet treats, and social gatherings. Not surprising that it becomes difficult to navigate if you're struggling with disordered eating or overeating.
Amidst the joy and celebration, don't forget that YOU have ALL the power to control your food choices, and it's entirely okay (if not completely necessary) to prioritize your well-being. Focus on self-compassion, mindfulness, and respect for your body's signals. This can literary be instrumental in maintaining a balanced approach and getting your through the festivities feeling empowered, rather than dissapointed.
Positive Christmas affirmations can serve as a super valuable tool to cultivate the mindset of peace and relaxation and to help navigate the holiday season in joy.
Powerful Christmas affirmations to start using this festive season:
- It’s OK to say NO to things that don’t serve me.
- This Christmas is about connection, not food.
- This Christmas I am focused on making memories.
- This Christmas I’m choosing peace over anxiety.
- I stay calm knowing that nothing lasts forever.
- I trust that my body will know how to handle this food.
- Strong emotions are part of being a human and I accept it all.
- I release food guilt and embrace food joy.
- My mental wellbeing is a priority.
- I remain calm in the face of chaos.
- I can easily stop with one.
- Christmas is to be enjoyed, not stressed about.
- My worth is not dependent on my eating habits or body shape.
- I am in charge of how much food I take.
- I can enjoy Christmas without having to binge or overeat.
- This Christmas I honour my hunger and fullness signals.
- Eating to nourish myself is a choice I am making this Christmas.
- Eating mindfully is an act of self-care.
- I have the right to make mistakes and still love myself.
- This Christmas I will honour what my body needs, not just what it wants.
- My happiness during Christmas is not dependent on the food I eat.
21 Positive Holiday Affirmations
I'm sure you'd agree that there's no other time in the year like the festive season. Starting the marathon with Thanksgiving, leading into Christmas and other holidays, is traditionally a time for celebration, togetherness, and indulgence.
Sadly, it's also a period filled with challenges for those struggling with disordered eating and overeating. The sheer abundance of food coupled with the social pressure to eat, as well as never-ending social gatherings can create a bunch of challenges. If not dealt with, they can easily lead into the vicious cycle of overeating in the New Year.
If you find that Christmas or Thanksgiving affirmations are too specific for you or you still haven’t found the right affirmation to use, positive Holiday affirmations can give you some inspiration, help you navigate this period with more ease and help you feel empowered and strong in your food choices.
Here are some of my favourite positive Holiday affirmations that can help you prepare for any challenges ahead:
- I will be kind to my body this holiday season.
- I can easily say NO to people who don’t bring joy into my life.
- Today I choose love over fear.
- My weight is the least important thing this festive season.
- I can enjoy the holidays even if they're NOT perfect.
- I am so loved.
- I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with people I care for.
- I can taste all of these foods, mindfully.
- I don't need to respond to all the cravings I have.
- Nourish, not punish.
- My body does not define me.
- Today, I am doing enough.
- This is hard, but I can do hard things.
- I am proud of myself every single day.
- I am strong.
- I deserve to treat my body with respect.
- Today I am choosing myself.
- I can enjoy festivities without overindulging.
- I can easily step away from situations and people that don't serve my health.
- It is OK to take a break when it all gets too.
- I trust that I know what is best for me.
21 Positive New Years Affirmations
New Year often comes with its own challenges as there's a focus on dieting, 'body transformation', and stringent food regimes, making it a challenging time if you struggle with disordered eating habits and your relationship with food.
The messages of 'New Year, New You' can increase the pressure for extreme dieting and unrealistic body ideals. Therefore, instead of beating yourself up for festivities and hating your body into changing or torturing yourself in January, aim to cultivate self-compassion and prioritise nourishment.
Just after implementing and using Christmas affirmations, turn to positive New Year affirmations. They can be instrumental in cultivating a supportive mindset and starting the New Year as you intend to keep going.
Here are some of my favourite New Year Affirmations:
- I have the power to change my habits.
- I am doing as best as I can.
- Every day I become stronger, healthier and happier.
- I don’t need to exhaust myself to deserve food.
- I deserve food by existing.
- I am much more than the number on the scale.
- I am in charge of my life.
- I am the creator of my life.
- I am enough, every day.
- I love and respect my body.
- I am getting where I want to be at my own pace.
- Today and every day, I choose myself.
- I let go of perfection and focus on being enough.
- I am worthy of love and respect, regardless of what I eat and how I look.
- My body is a wonderful tool to live my best life, not a decoration.
- I can take care of myself without feeling guilty or ashamed.
- My worth is not measured in calories and grams.
- There is more to life than food.
- With each step, I'm getting closer to food freedom.
- I am counting memories instead of calories.
- I am embracing a new relationship with food and my body.
Get your FREE Cheatsheet
9 Mindset Mistakes
that keep you stuck
in the Binge Cycle