Find joy (not guilt) in eating this Easter
As much as I love Easter, it’s not always an easy time for those of us that have an unhealthy relationship with food. It can bring about feelings of anxiety, fear, guilt, shame and lack of control.
Diet culture loves to rear it’s ugly head with food rules and create a sense of fear around food. Many common food rules and/or forbidden foods are Easter foods like chocolate and hot cross buns (butter and carbs-diet cultures biggest enemies!).
From January onwards, we're inundated with advertisements and displays of Easter foods, creating a sense of urgency and exacerbating the struggle to maintain intuitive eating practices during the holiday season.
For many, Easter can trigger episodes of binge eating or a loss of control around food. The pressure to adhere to restrictive eating habits clashes with the abundance of tempting treats, leading to feelings of obsession, guilt, and shame.
To foster a healthier relationship with food during Easter, consider these actions:
Allow all foods: Embrace the principle of intuitive eating by welcoming all foods without judgment.
Ensure access: Stock your pantry with Easter treats beyond the holiday weekend to normalise their presence.
Tune in to your cravings: Reflect on your favorite Easter foods and allow yourself to enjoy them mindfully.
Practice mindful eating: Slow down and savor each bite, paying attention to your body's hunger and fullness cues.
Check in with yourself: Ask yourself what you truly want to eat this Easter and honor your cravings without guilt.
Focus on satisfaction: Enjoy Easter foods without shame or restriction, and practice self-compassion if discomfort arises.
By incorporating these practices, we can navigate Easter with a sense of balance and compassion, fostering a healthier relationship with food and ourselves.
Be kind to yourself,
M x
