Oh geesh… gobs of holiday diet challenges are about to begin. Challenges to show you can do no sugar, no alcohol, no carbs, no fat, no whatever Evil Food Du Jour, walk X thousand steps before you eat, extra-hydrate before you dehyrate, and breathe out your heebie-jeebies.
I understand the intent behind these challenges. Some of them are indeed well-designed and well-led. But some are just there for the money and don’t really give a damn about your personal well-being. Some are silly and nonsensical (thank you Instagram whackadoodles).
No matter. You definitely should try a holiday challenge if it appeals to you and you trust the principles (and approach) behind said challenge. Ideally, you find a support system that works for you if this time of the year is difficult from a food perspective. I’m all for that.
However, I also want to encourage you to think about you, yourself, providing positive support to others during this holiday season. Make sure you’re not the one who is displaying Passive Aggressiveness Ickiness or being the Food Pusher at the holiday dinners and social gatherings:
”Oh, come on! You’re a runner - you can eat another piece of pie!”
”Oh, come on! You lost all that weight - you can eat another piece of pie!”
”Oh, come on! You work out every day - you can eat another piece of pie!”
“Oh come on! You’re skinny - you can eat another piece of pie!”
”Oh, come on! You can restart your diet next Monday!”
”Oh, come on! One is not going to hurt you!”
and on and on…
I know I’ve been guilty of a semi-level of pushiness in the past. I wanted a food buddy, drinking buddy, whatever. Sometimes, we want someone else to help justify our decisions and actions, so it feels easier on the ‘misery loves company’ boat. But then I was on the other side when I had some really important personal goals… and the ol’ eyes were opened! AHA.
So, what can you do to be supportive to others? Here are a few nuggets:
Reach out and communicate. If you’re hosting a gathering, reach out (well in advance) to your people and ask if there are any dietary concerns, wishes, or special needs. If someone has a request or a need that you have no comprehension of, then talk about it (yaay, learning!) and brainstorm ideas to better accommodate.
Omit judgment. It is said that we all have some form of judgment going on in our heads. If so, just leave it there in the noggin. You’re likely not in that person’s metaphorical shoes. So unless it’s private conversation hour, it’s likely not a time nor place to delve deeper. Especially not with the Judgement Hat on.
Don’t be a Food Bully or Drink Bully. Do I need to explain this one? Remember too that the success of a gathering shouldn’t be measured by how much food and drink was consumed by so and so. It’s more about the time with one another, the social connectedness, and appreciating that food does bring us together in this human experience.
How else have you been supportive to others in the past? Share your ideas in the comments!
Thanks for reading,
Dina
P.S. Need a little extra support through the holiday season without those online challenges? Message me and we can arrange one-on-one support. It’s unique, personalized, and can rock your world.