Let me just say one word about food and drink at this time of year:
Overindulging.
Lots of it.
It’s totally encouraged.
It’s like when December rolls around, all of society says, “Go ahead good people, ignore your inner Truth and override your body’s signals”.
I’m not saying we shouldn’t enjoy the season’s gifts. I am a total foodie myself. Eating is one of the great joys in my life. And if something’s really yummy I do have a tendency to keep going until I’m groaning and clutching my distended stomach - so really I’m not one to preach…
BUT the way we approach food while on holiday is sometimes weirdly self-destructive. “Oh I’m on holiday so I’m going to eat all the stuff I don’t normally eat (for good reasons) and I’ll overindulge and be in pain and feel gross and energy-less… because I’m on holiday you see? So it’s allowed.”
It’s weird because it doesn’t leave us feeling good. So it can’t be self-loving, can it?
We all know food is a way we might avoid how we feel, so when we are annoyed or bored or frustrated or lonely it can be easier to shove in that extra mouthful than stay with your feelings…
Then, in January the magazines, diet centres and gyms take full advantage of our regret as we hobble out of our splurges bloated and despondent. AA and OEA meetings are usually packed to the rafters with regretful drinkers and overeaters in January.
Is it worth it to ignore your body’s signals and preferences and make it feel unloved just because you are on holiday?
This is the best advice I can give you about loving yourself in regards to food.
Your sole aim, is to FEEL LOVED by your choice.
To really think of your sweet and precious self, and be considerate of what will make you feel good both during AND after eating it.
In the moment that you face the food and drink, pause and ask yourself,
“If I loved myself, what would I choose to do now?”
And then listen to your precious body’s requests.
And if you do make an unloving choice, don't beat yourself up in addition to feeling physically unpleasant.
Be kind. You're learning.
Say sorry to your body and try to love it better next time.
