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Run Eat Repeat

Why You Should NOT Feel Guilty About Eating All the Holiday Treats

Healthy Living

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22 Dec
why you shouldn't feel guilty about eating holiday dessert

Hi! Whatcha up to? Dusting cookie crumbs off your shirt? Wrapping presents while chugging eggnog? Taking a bite of each different chocolate in the box your neighbor sent over??

It’s the holidays. It happens.

Yes, overeating isn’t exactly good for you – but if this only happens a few times a year it’s not really gonna kill you either.

You know what kills just as bad as extra calories?

Making yourself feel like shit because of what you ate. That’s dumb. And unhealthy (just in a different way, right?).

You don’t need to beat yourself down after you overdo it at a party. You don’t need to remind yourself how many calories are in your glass every time you take a sip of eggnog. That takes away from your enjoyment. And if you’re going to eat up – you might as well really just enjoy every last lil taste.

sometimes food 4[3] sometimes food 5[3]

There are a few different approaches to holiday eating:

“F it. I’ll start again on Jan 1st.”

“I’m NOT going to gain weight this season. I refuse to even look at a cookie!!”

“I’m going to weight and start dieting after New Year’s…”

“EAT ALL THE THINGS!!!!”

“eat none of the the things”

You do you. There is no one perfect way to eat. There’s no one perfect way to balance treats. Some people do cheat days, some people do cheat months (me, I do), some people only fit in dessert when it works with their calorie counting app.

But no matter your plan, 99.9% of people overeat at some point.

That makes me feel better. Is that weird?

It makes me feel better to know that even people who don’t have a history of binge eating – overeat. People who don’t struggle with their weight – overeat. People who have lost 100 pounds and kept it off – overeat. People who have never had an issue with food or their weight – overeat.

This time of year in particular is challenging. There are a lot more treats and opportunities to indulge.

I have a history of binge eating and struggled with it in the past. I am pretty okay with it now, so it’s extra stressful when I overeat (which is different from binging). If/when I eat way too many cookies or french fries or french fried cookies (I hope that’s really a thing) I get nervous that I’m falling into a black hole of a binge.

sometimes food 8 sometimes food 7 sometimes food 6

I personally try to keep true to the “Sometimes Food” theory.

There is nothing wrong with cookies or cake or ice cream or whatever your favorite treat is at the moment. But they are a ‘sometimes food’. This is a food you are totally free to enjoy – sometimes. It’s not an every night,  extra on weekends and 5x as much after a stressful day food. It’s something you really stop and enjoy when you’re eating it. And not having it everyday makes it more special.

So, enjoy all the “Sometimes Foods” that are around this time of year. Consider maybe skipping the ones you can have all the time. Really let yourself enjoy and celebrate the treats.

And don’t feel guilty about anything (except being mean to your mom, you should def feel guilty about that).

Question: What is your FAVORITE holiday treat?

Me: Hmmmm. I am a sweets girl so I have to go with any and all the fun cookies and baked goods at my parent’s house. They get delicious homemade brownies and cookies from friends and family. But I do want to give a special nod to tamales.

THIS IS YOUR YEAR.

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    10 Comments

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    Comments

    1. Ariana says

      2017-01-07 at 2:57 pm

      I completely feel the same. I used to bindge eat as well and worry when i overeat now. Especially if it happens more than once in a short period of time.

      Reply
    2. Hillary says

      2016-12-25 at 4:32 pm

      https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=T14h5TtKO2I

      Cookie fries are TOTALLY a thing!!

      Merry Christmas!

      Reply
    3. Pippa says

      2016-12-24 at 1:42 pm

      This is such a good philosophy to have on food! I really struggle with the holidays, it’s been tricky ever since I developed disordered eating habits. But I’m trying to take it easy on myself. Have a good Christmas! xx

      Reply
    4. Denise says

      2016-12-23 at 8:27 am

      I bake, A LOT, for the holidays but I do not really eat the things I make. It’s easier for me to say No, to them, then eat 1 then 2 then 3 then 10. BUT, I can’t skip the cheese and cracker trays, a gooey dip, and if there is stuffing and gravy just hand me the bowl. Now when I see that in print, maybe I should just eat the cookies. ha!

      Merry Christmas!!!!

      Reply
    5. Meesh says

      2016-12-23 at 8:12 am

      DESSERT! All of the desserts, except pies. I hate pie crust. But really? Dessert and wine. Bring it!

      Reply
    6. Marsha says

      2016-12-23 at 6:56 am

      I’m right there with you….sweet treats. The yummy cookies, especially no bakes I think….or maybe a warm chocolate chip cookie?!? Yep….give me all the sweets! lol! Great post! Merry Christmas

      Reply
    7. Sally @ sweat out the small stuff says

      2016-12-23 at 5:45 am

      Guilt is the worst. I used to go through that a lot. Now I just get frustrated with myself that I feel so addicted to sugar.
      My favorite treat is definitely the Christmas cookies my friend Lisa bakes. She packages them all nice too. There are 4-5 different varieties including my favorite rainbow layer cookies. Yum!

      Reply
    8. Jen says

      2016-12-23 at 5:37 am

      I make this wicked good chocolate Chex mix with pretzels, drizzled with white chocolate. Definitely have a hard time stopping sometimes, particularly when I’m bagging it all for gifts and there’s little crispy bits left at the bottom of the pan. Worth it!

      Reply
    9. Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says

      2016-12-22 at 7:36 pm

      This post really hits home. I struggled with a bad relationship with food for YEARS, and I still do, but if there’s one thing I’m learning, is to not restrict yourself.

      My favourite treat?? All the cookies!

      Happy holidays!

      Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
      http://charmainenyw.com

      Reply
    10. Kaelin says

      2016-12-22 at 7:30 pm

      Good ideas here – I tend to skip things that are available any time of the year or that I can go buy in a store. One thing I refuse to skip is my dad’s ridiculously delicious homemade cinnamon rolls that ONLY happen on Christmas morning. I look forward to them all year!

      Reply

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      Disclaimer: Please speak with a medical professional before making any changes to your diet or exercise. I am not a doctor or registered dietitian. The views expressed are based on my own experiences, and should not be taken as medical, nutrition or training advice. Please note that affiliate links and sponsored posts may pop up from time to time. I truly appreciate your support. More »

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