Holiday Eating Stress? Here’s What I Learned
The Mistake I Made at Holiday Dinners—and How I Fixed It
I used to feel so anxious during the holidays, especially around big meals. I thought if I skipped breakfast and lunch to “save calories,” I could enjoy the feast guilt-free. But every year, it left me feeling miserable.
By the time the big meal came around, my stomach felt so uncomfortable from going all day without food. I could barely eat because my digestion had slowed down—it felt like my body was rejecting the very food I had been saving up for!
Looking back, I learned that our digestive system isn’t a switch that turns on and off. When you go long periods without eating, your body slows down its digestive processes. This is called the migrating motor complex—a series of movements that sweep undigested food and prepare your gut for the next meal. But when you skip meals all day, your system gets “out of practice,” making it harder to digest a large amount of food at once.
Here’s what I do now instead:
Eat Balanced Meals Leading Up to the Big Event. Having a protein-rich breakfast and a light lunch helps keep my blood sugar stable and my digestion on track.
Practice Mindful Eating. By nourishing my body all day, I can enjoy the holiday meal without feeling like I need to overcompensate.
Bring a Tupperware for Leftovers. If I don’t get to try everything or don’t feel like eating a lot in the moment, I simply pack up my favorites to enjoy later when I’m hungry again. This takes the pressure off to eat everything at once and lets me savor the food when I truly want it.
Listen to My Hunger Cues. Learning when I’m truly hungry (instead of waiting until I’m starving) has been a game-changer.
This approach has taken so much anxiety out of holiday eating for me. I get to enjoy the company, the food, and the memories without feeling like I’m punishing myself.
If holiday eating is a source of stress for you too, you’re not alone. I’d love to hear how you’re feeling about it this season! Reply to this email and let me know—or share any strategies that work for you.
Looking forward to helping you thrive in your 2.0 Era,
Melissa
