Mindful Eating During the Holidays | Focused Solutions, LLC

Delicious, special-occasion foods, meals with loved ones, and a never-ending stream of cookies.

These are all hallmarks of the holiday season. For those with food-related anxiety or who have a challenging relationship with food, it can be a difficult time of year.

Incorporating mindfulness into your eating habits can help reduce anxiety and prompt a more positive relationship with food. Here are some ways you can bring more mindfulness to your eating habits:

Focus on the eating experience by eating without distractions, and acknowledging who prepared the food.

Notice the smells, colors, and textures of the food you’re eating to engage all of your senses in the process.

Slow down by eating small bites, taking your time to chew, and checking in periodically with yourself to see how full you are.

Be prepared for hunger with high-protein snacks and regularly scheduled meals, especially before a big holiday party where you might not have access to nutritious options.

It can be helpful to keep in mind that while some foods are more nutritious than others, there are no “bad” foods or “good” foods. All foods can be enjoyed in moderation and doing so with loved ones can be a great way to celebrate this holiday season!