How to Manage Food Anxiety During the Holidays

THIS IS AN ARTICLE reprinted from Conversation under a Creative Commons license.

Christmas can be a time of togetherness, fun and relaxation. However, this can present unique challenges, especially for those who may struggle with food anxiety, weight problems, or anxiety. eating disorder.

There are many reasons why the holidays are such a difficult time for people struggling with eating disorders. Holidays can be frequent heighten the senses such as stress, anxiety, isolation and sadness.

So some people may turn to food for comfort and solace. Stay closed parties or cold weather can also encourage and worsen overeating disordered eating.

Another issue is that there are a lot of health and diet messages that tell us what we do throughout the year should eat and should not eat. However, advertisements and cultural messages around the holidays often promote overindulgence.

This can make people even more confused about what to eat or make them feel guilty about their holiday feasts. Added to this are social pressures – not wanting to say no to invitations that involve more food and drink than usual.

For people struggling with their eating habits, the holiday season can feel like a minefield. Christmas celebrations often revolve around large, communal meals and encouragement to indulge. This may be the reason complex and sometimes painful feelingsleading some to avoid family and social gatherings.

Eating disorders are often associated with developing habits around eating patterns. For those with an eating disorder, eating in public can be anxiety provoking overwhelming feeling with a focus on food.

The holiday season can be even more stressful for those struggling with both eating disorders and money problems. During the holidays, stores and advertisements tempt us with expensive, fancy foods.

For those with money worries, there can be added pressure to spend at Christmas feelings of inadequacy and shame.

While this time of year can certainly be difficult to manage, if you’re someone who struggles with disordered eating or weight and food anxiety, there are a few strategies you can use to cope.

Avoid feasts and famines

The New Year often comes with pressure to cancel out the holiday’s unpleasant feelings – prompting many to consider a crash diet. However, extreme diets can be harmful for both physical and mental health.

Instead of falling into the “feast or famine” trap during the holidays, try to find ways to balance healthy habits with indulgence. Instead of eating a tempting dessert right after your meal, try going for a walk with your partner or family. Maybe the urge is gone by the time you come back.