Holiday Bodies (…face palm)

…and we’re back with the same song, different tune. It’s September, people. September. I’m already seeing the posts from direct sellers/social sellers/MLMs (can we stop adding new names to this list?) that it’s time to get started working on your “holiday body.”

WTF?

Strikingly similar to the New Year’s resolution push, summer/bikini bodies, wedding-ready, and more, mainstream media has convinced us that for every major event and milestone in life that “looking our best” suggests weight loss, increased focus on restrictive practices, and more.

And what exactly is a holiday body? Adorning yourself with tinsel and twinkle lights to observe a holiday? A certain body size is not a requirement to celebrate life and all it includes.

Holidays and special events are just that–a special time. There’s often traditional foods that we don’t get to experience other times of year, more social engagements, and less routine around our usual habits. However, there’s a prevalent idea that seems to persist year after year: the need to “slim down” for the holidays.

The concept of slimming down for the holidays often comes with unrealistic expectations. People set themselves up for disappointment by thinking they can lose a significant amount of weight in a short period. Rapid weight loss is often unhealthy and difficult to maintain–and the constant yo-yo dieting sets people up for increased risk of heart-related events, insulin resistance, and metabolic chaos.

The “holiday body” can lead to restrictive eating habits, which can be detrimental to both physical and mental health. Restricting yourself from enjoying holiday foods and traditional meals can result in feelings of deprivation and guilt, potentially leading to binge eating or an unhealthy relationship with food.

Holidays are about celebrating, connecting with loved ones, and creating cherished memories. Focusing too much on dieting can distract you from the true essence of the season. Food is more than simply fuel for our body–it’s tradition, connection, love, and so much more.

Pressure created by dieting before the holidays can create unnecessary stress and anxiety. The holiday season is already a busy time with various commitments and responsibilities. Adding the stress of weight loss goals can negatively impact your mental well-being. Yo-yo dieting and/or the constant pursuit of the occasion-specific body reinforces a harmful diet culture. Dieting often leads to a cycle of weight loss and regain, which can be detrimental to overall health. Instead of focusing on quick fixes, it’s better to adopt a long-term, sustainable approach to the health and wellness outcomes most important to you (habits).

Rather than fixating on losing weight for the holidays, shift your focus to maintaining the habits that serve how you want to feel throughout the year. Embrace a mindful approach to eating that includes nourishing your body with a vast and varied diet, and giving yourself permission to include all foods.

This idea of the holiday body is rooted in unrealistic expectations, restrictive eating habits, and unnecessary stress–and it’s got to go. Enjoy holidays and special events by savoring the flavors, spending time with loved ones, and prioritizing your overall well-being. It’s not about attaining a certain size for a few weeks; it’s about feeling how you want to feel through the habits that serve you year-round.