Does Easter weekend bring up all sorts of food anxiety? You want to enjoy some treats, but they usually trigger a binge? I was once YOU! You don’t have to end the holiday weekend full of remorse, nor completely deprived! Let’s get into it!
Easter weekend can be a challenging time for people who struggle with binge or emotional eating, as it often involves a lot of tempting and indulgent foods. For me it used to mean four days of gorging on hot cross buns, easter eggs and then pretty much anything and everything edible in sight. At the end of the weekend I’d feel terrible and full of remorse and disappointment in having undone any kind of fitness/wellness progress. It doesn’t have to be this way though!
Here are some tips that have helped me avoid binge eating over Easter weekend:
- Plan ahead: Before the weekend, make a rough plan of what you will eat and stick to it as much as possible. You can also plan some physical activities that you enjoy doing to help you stay active and distracted from food.
- Eat regularly: Don’t skip meals in anticipation of a big Easter meal or treat. This can lead to overeating later on. Instead, try to eat regular, balanced meals throughout the day to keep your hunger in check.
- Choose healthier options: Look for healthier options among the Easter treats, such as dark chocolate or fresh fruit. Opt for smaller portions and eat mindfully, savoring each bite.
- Practice mindful eating: Be aware of your thoughts and feelings around food. Try to eat slowly and mindfully, paying attention to the flavors, textures, and sensations of each bite. This can help you feel more satisfied and reduce the urge to binge.
- Avoid triggers: Try to avoid situations or people that trigger your binge eating behaviors. If certain foods or situations are particularly challenging for you, have a plan in place to deal with them, such as avoiding them altogether or having a trusted friend or family member help you stay accountable, or taking a walk, doing some deep breathing etc
- It’s not all about food: Don’t lose sight of what really matters! Focus your time and energy on enjoying special moments with loved ones, fun activities, time for rest or whatever else lights you up.
- Remember that it’s okay to indulge in moderation (in fact I encourage it!) and enjoy some Easter treats, but try to balance them out with healthier options and weave some movement into your weekend. If you do have a binge, don’t beat yourself up about it – just start fresh and move forward with your plan. Feelings of guilt and shame weigh you down more than anything else!
I hope you found these tips helpful! I wish you a weekend of fun and enjoyment without stress or anxiety around food! If you’d like some further guidance, check out my ebook Breaking Free – on overcoming binge and emotional eating or check out my 1:1 coaching services.
With love
xoxo
Oona
