🎁 Holiday Survival Guide: No Fear in Food-Focused Celebrations
The worst household toxin is shame, actually.
🎉 Happy Friday, Friends!
Leading up to holiday gatherings, so many folx feel a sense of dread at what might happen at the dinner table.
➡️ Have you ever chugged water to "feel full" before a meal?
➡️ Skipped lunch, thinking, there's going to be a feast later?
➡️ Spiraled about what to wear
➡️ Maybe even forced a frantic workout to "earn" dinner?
If this sounds familiar, don't worry, you're not alone... AND you don't have to live like that anymore.
This season, we're doing things differently.
The nondiet approach gives both your brain and your body a break from the rules, restrictions, and mental gymnastics. Instead of prepping for a meal like it’s a test you need to pass, try prepping for comfort, connection, and care.
Here are a few ways to shift the energy:
- Take 5 minutes of slow breathwork to settle your nervous system before heading out. In case you haven't seen it lately, here's my free breathwork guide.
- Move in a way that feels good. Think a gentle stretch session or a walk while listening to your favorite playlist, maybe even after dinner if you're traveling somewhere with better nighttime weather. 😅
- Run a warm bath, light a candle, and let your body unclench. This is also great for a late-night recovery session after a busy holiday gathering!
- Sip a cozy cup of tea while planning your outfit. It's amazing what a little self-care while you're getting ready can do for your confidence.
- Or hop on FaceTime with your bestie and show off your holiday earrings/sweater/furry leggings. Because joy is the whole point!
This is your reminder: holiday food isn’t something to earn. Celebrations are meant to be fun, not an endurance test. Let yourself arrive and be nourished, grounded, and connected to loved ones.
You deserve that ease.
Also, we're taking a little break from the newsletter next week. See you all in 2026!
With you as you break bread around the holiday table,
Dana