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Moving Past Food Shame and Guilt During the Holidays

Halloween is a fun and memorable holiday for families, filled with costumes, candy, and festive activities. However, for many parents, the abundance of candy that comes with Halloween can lead to feelings of guilt and shame.

We often hear about parents sneaking candy from their kids' baskets or throwing away bags of treats. Social media is flooded with posts about the number of burpees needed to work off a bite-sized Snickers bar. Some of us may overindulge and feel guilty, leading to increased exercise or avoidance of candy altogether.

It is important to remember that healthy food is critical for our overall well-being. However, having a healthy relationship with food is also essential. Our children learn about healthy food from us and how to approach food. Remember to model the relationship you want your children to have with food throughout this holiday season.

Most of our food choices should be nutritious, but some foods can be enjoyed occasionally. If our children never see us eat a piece of candy or feel guilty after doing so, what are they learning about treats? Can we occasionally eat a few pieces of our favorite candy and enjoy it without shame and guilt?

The answer is yes.

Here are some easy ways to overcome shame and guilt during the holiday season.

Acknowledging Special Occasions

It's important to recognize that holidays and special occasions are times for celebration and enjoyment. This often includes indulging in foods we might not typically eat regularly. Halloween candy is a classic example of a special occasion treat.

Here's why it's okay to indulge on these occasions:

  • Tradition and Culture: Many holidays are associated with specific foods. These foods can be a significant part of the celebration and cultural experience.
  • Enjoyment: Food is often a source of pleasure and enjoyment. It can be a way to connect with loved ones and create memories.
  • Moderation: The key is moderation. While it's okay to indulge occasionally, it's important to maintain a balanced diet most of the time.

Remember:

  • Mindful eating: Pay attention to your body's signals and eat slowly and mindfully. This can help you savor the experience and avoid overeating.
  • Balance: Enjoy your treats, but also make sure to eat nutritious foods most of the time. A balanced diet is essential for overall health and well-being.

Exercise for the right reasons

While exercise can be a great way to manage weight, it's important to remember that it offers many other benefits beyond calorie burning. Here's a closer look at why exercise should be done for reasons beyond weight loss:

1. Strength and Physical Fitness:

  • Muscle building: Regular exercise helps build and maintain muscle mass, improving strength, balance, and overall physical function.
  • Bone health: Weight-bearing exercises like walking, running, and dancing can help prevent osteoporosis and maintain strong bones.
  • Improved endurance: Cardiovascular exercises like swimming, cycling, and running can increase your endurance and stamina.

2. Mental Health Benefits:

  • Stress reduction: Exercise is a natural mood booster. It can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
  • Improved cognitive function: Regular physical activity has been shown to improve memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills.
  • Better sleep: Exercise can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly.

    Focusing on exercise's many benefits beyond weight loss can help you create a healthier and happier lifestyle.

    Remember, food does not possess morality; it is neither inherently good nor bad. This understanding is crucial in fostering a healthier relationship with what we eat. When we label foods as "good" or "bad," we create an emotional framework that can lead to guilt and shame, especially when we indulge in foods deemed "bad."

    Restrictive diets, often driven by these moral judgments, can result in a cycle of yo-yo dieting, where individuals fluctuate between extreme restriction and binge eating. This disrupts the body's natural metabolism and weakens it over time. Each cycle of dieting can lead to nutritional deficiencies, loss of muscle mass, and a negative impact on mental health, making it increasingly challenging for women to achieve their wellness goals.

    By shifting away from these moralistic views on food and embracing a more balanced and compassionate approach, women can nurture their bodies, promote long-term health, and ultimately empower themselves in their wellness journeys.

    Maternal mental health is a vital aspect of overall health and well-being for women. It encompasses a wide range of emotional and psychological states, from severe conditions like postpartum depression to the daily lessons of dealing with mom guilt. Prioritizing your mental health is essential for yourself, your children, and your community.

    It's important to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. By prioritizing your mental health, you take a proactive step towards healing and well-being. We welcome you to become your strongest health advocate.

    So, the next time you hear a friend or fellow mom expressing guilt over indulging during the holidays, encourage them. Remind them that it's okay to enjoy special treats and that feeling guilty doesn't serve anyone. Please encourage them to focus on exercising in ways that feel good for their body and to remember that a healthy relationship with food is about balance. Let's work together to create a supportive community to celebrate the holidays without unnecessary stress or shame.