How to Handle Holiday Food Stress: Stay Sane During the Holidays

The holidays can be stressful for anyone—between the parties, expectations, consumerism, and yes, the endless food. It’s all too easy to unravel and lose track of yourself, especially if you’re struggling with your body or weight. Some of us start diets months before the holidays, hoping to control the “damage.” Some of us binge endlessly from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day. Some of us skip every party out of fear of the pressure to eat. But here’s the truth: the more you obsess, the more pain you create. The more you restrict, the more you binge. If you’re wondering how to handle holiday food stress without losing your sanity, this podcast episode is for you. When Food Feels Like the Enemy During the Holidays Does any of this sound familiar? You’re skipping breakfast, lunch, and dinner to “save up” for a big holiday meal. You feel out of control around food, constantly eating until you feel bloated, sick, and miserable. You avoid parties and gatherings entirely, just to escape the pressure to eat. Here’s the good news: holiday food doesn’t have to rule your heart and mind. You can celebrate, enjoy the festivities, and stay calm—all at the same time. How to Handle Holiday Food Stress Without Losing Yourself In this episode of the Escape Diet Prison Podcast, Deb Oswald, Leila Hays, and I share our favorite tips and tricks to help you stay calm and grounded around food during the holidays. Here’s what we dive into: How to stop obsessing about holiday meals. Why restricting food makes bingeing more likely—and how to break the cycle. Practical strategies to enjoy food without guilt or shame. Need More Support During the Holidays? For additional resources and support, check out: Deb Oswald’s blog: Her insights and advice can help you navigate holiday food stress with more ease. Join the Body Love Circles: Connect with others and deepen your relationship with your body in a safe, uplifting environment. Share This Episode and Be a Change Maker If this podcast resonates with you, share it with others in your life who need to hear it. Your voice matters—and you have the power to help others break free from diet culture and holiday food stress. Love this episode? Share it!