Intuitive Eating on Thanksgiving
Thursday, November 24, 2011 at 6:38AM 
As we all know, in the United States Thanksgiving is a socially acceptable day to binge eat. It is well documented in movies, books and encouraged by most people and the media. The problem for binge eaters is that it is one of 365 days that can be binge days. The "normal eater" can overeat that one day and not do it again for another year. The problem for a binge eater is the overeating continues. I have been studying and using the principles of Intuitive Eating for awhile and I find it is so much easier not to binge at Thanksgiving.
The principles of Intuitive Eating were written by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch and for a more full description you can check out my blog. I think the principles put eating into perspective and focus on food as nourishment. Some of the principles that apply to Thanksgiving (and every other day) are:
- Eat when you are hungry.
- Stop when you are full.
- Appreciate your body as it is now.
- Eat what satisfies you.
- Cope with emotions without using food.
- If you binge, do not beat yourself up.
- Give up the need to diet.
Thanksgiving is one day of many and it is a meaningful food celebration. I encourage you to examine how the above principles might be used on Thanksgiving and everyday. The most important is appreciate the day and soak up all the goodness you can and be kind to yourself.
Leave me a message below saying what you will do differently this year.
Kim McLaughlin, LMFT is a licensed therapist (MFC27667) providing counseling services in the Roseville, CA area. Kim McLaughlin specializes in counseling services for people with binge eating, compulsive eating or eating disorders. This blog is not meant to be a substitute for mental health treatment, counseling, or therapy. If you are in need of mental health services seek out a licensed therapist or contact Kim McLaughlin, LMFT for assistance.
Get Kim McLaughlin's Free Report called Strategies to End Binge Eating here
Reader Comments (1)
Happy belated Thanksgiving to you too!
Selma Lockaby
All American Auto Transport