Episode 75: Navigating the Holiday Food Minefield with the Help of IFS
Here we are, smack-dab in the middle of holiday season. Maybe the holiday you celebrate has passed already, and all you have left is New Years. Or maybe it hasn't happened yet. Either way, we're not done yet!
I don't have to tell you that the holidays can be a really tough time of year for people who struggle with food. This time of year can feel like a food minefield that's nearly impossible to navigate.
I think there are few reasons for this. First off, food is everywhere right now. It's hard to resist. And some of it is food that you only get this time of year, so there's a real pull to dive in.
In addition to that, the holidays can be really stressful. It just seems like there's too much to do, and not enough time to do it. From all of the expectations we put on ourselves to all of the expectations that others put on us, it can feel really overwhelming.
And finally, if this time of year brings up difficult emotions for many of us. Maybe family gatherings are difficult to attend. Or you're feeling isolated. Or you're remembering loved ones who are no longer here. Yes, lots of strong emotions are brought up this time of year.
So if you're someone who turns to food to manage stress, comfort yourself, or distract from painful emotions, this is a tough time of year, to be sure.
But as difficult as it may be, it's not impossible. And here's where IFS can be really helpful.
On this week's podcast, we're talking about why this time of year can be so difficult in terms of food and how to navigate it with the help of IFS. Some of what we're talking about is:
Remembering that the parts that lead us to food are trying to help us!
Maintaining realistic expectations for ourselves
Setting boundaries
The need for curiosity and compassion
Regularly checking in with parts
We're almost across the finish line! You got this! But if you need a little extra help, take a listen to this week's podcast!
And if you're really curious about your own eating system and/or helping your clients with theirs, I have some exciting groups for you!
IFS and the Eating System Master Class is a group that will meet for eight sessions every other Monday from 12:00-2:00 pm EST starting on January 22nd. Each week, we'll focus on one topic that relates to IFS and eating issues. We'll look at each topic in terms of how this relates to our own systems and how to help our clients with theirs. In each session, we'll discuss the topic as well as engage in practice groups, demos, and other active learning activities. So if you're interested on healing your own relationship with food and learning how to help your clients heal theirs too, this is the group for you! Head here to check it out!
Food and Body Freedom is a group for therapists and other helping professionals to help you get to know your own eating system. We meet weekly for four months and take a deep dive into the parts that turn us to food, parts that restrict food, polarizations and legacy burdens in our system, and parts that have feelings toward our bodies. Head here for all of the details!
Where to find me:
Therapy website (for therapists and other helping professionals): drkimdaniels.com
Coaching website (for non-therapists): yourweightisnotyourworth.com
Click below to listen!