How to Tackle Turkey Day.

Happy Thanksgiving!

This has been a year of pure chaos, and I know it can be difficult to think of things to be thankful for. On top of that all, if you are still working on your relationship with food, the stress of the year COMBINED with a holiday completely centered on food can feel like a lot to handle.

I wanted to write a quick post reminding you all you are strong, you are worthy, and you can tackle Turkey Day. I’ve dedicated basically the past year of my life to studying Intuitive Eating and applying it to my own life, and it’s given me the tools to handle the Holiday’s in a low-stress, fun-filled way.

I decided to share some tips that I’ve gathered with you in order to make Thanksgiving as peaceful and joyful as possible. Let’s dive in!

1. Eat something BEFORE the main event.

When it comes to food, you shouldn’t have to “save up” or “hold off” on eating to make room for extra calories later on. With that being said, it is NORMAL to perhaps eat a little LESS than normal in order to make more room for the foods you love! However, it shouldn’t be in the sense of RESTRICTION. Eating something before the big meal not only keeps your energy levels high, but maintains and regulates your hunger and fullness cues. It gets your metabolism going and allows for better listening to your body later on when the main event comes.

2. You don’t have to fill up on the “healthy” options at the table.

Along with the mashed potatoes and stuffing, there are also often salads, roasted veggies, and other items that are categorized as “healthier.” While these foods are also delicious, they should not be eaten for the sake of filling up on the healthier options. This gets into the idea of dichotomizing foods; remember, NO food is inherently good or inherently bad. While yes, nutrient dense foods may provide more bang for their buck in the body, it’s Thanksgiving! Prioritize your FAVORITE foods on the table, and THEN see what you still have room for.

3. Drinks are OKAY! Calories or not!

Liquid calories or fruity beverages are often a fear food amongst those with disordered eating habits. If you want a drink, whether that be sparkling cider or something alcoholic, GO FOR IT. It is OKAY and should be enjoyed, especially on holidays like today!

4. You also don’t have to “earn” your calories in any way, shape, or form.

Maybe you feel pressure to workout or do an extra walk around the block to “earn” the potential excess calories you are about to consume. That’s not how the body works! If working out makes you feel mentally at peace, that is FINE. But DON’T work out solely to “feel better” about eating a little extra. It’s Thanksgiving! Eating extra is NORMAL!

5. You ALSO don’t have to eat less the day before or the day after to “make up” for excess calories.

Again, the body simply doesn’t work like that. Just as one day of healthy eating won’t make you a health queen, one day of OVER-eating won’t do any damage either. In general, restricting your food before or after the main meal can lead to a restrict-binge mentality. If you restrict the day before, you may binge ON Thanksgiving due to a lack of nourishment. Conversely, if you intend on restricting the day after Thanksgiving, you may ALSO binge on Thanksgiving Day due to the “last supper” mentality. When you tell your body you’re not going to eat the next day, it automatically tries to prepare by eating in excess. Just eat normally, fuel your body, the days and meals before and after Thanksgiving.

6. Enjoy! The Food! You eat! And it is OKAY to eat extra!

A lot of foods you eat on Thanksgiving you don’t typically get year-round. It is perfectly normal and okay to eat a little extra! Be mindful and make that a CONSCIOUS choice, rather than a guilt-ridden one. Leave the guilt OUTSIDE THE HOUSE today. ENJOY the delicious food that either you or a loved one has labored over!!

7. Leftovers are allowed and encourage. Break all food rules and eat them whenever you crave.

Again, these foods are special. By allowing yourself to have leftovers whenever you crave them, you are LESS likely to binge on any of the foods on Thanksgiving. You can fully enjoy them AND eat extra, but remind yourself that those foods will ALWAYS be there and you are TOTALLY allowed to have them whenever you crave! Listen to your hunger and fullness cues and honors those. If you’re craving pumpkin pie for breakfast? GO. FOR. IT. By allowing yourself to eat it whenever you’re craving it, you also prevent binging on it in the future if it’s all you’ve been thinking about all day.

WITH ALL THAT, be safe, be healthy, and enjoy the food! You. Got. This.