Feeling guilty about holiday treats? You're not alone. Many of us hear phrases like, "Let's work off that Halloween candy!" and it can be incredibly damaging. But is it really necessary to punish ourselves for enjoying a delicious meal? Let's dive in.
It all started innocently enough. Just hours after Halloween, my fitness instructor's comment caught me off guard, and it stuck with me all day. This seemingly harmless phrase, "let’s work off ___," is more problematic than you might think, especially during the holiday season.
Why This Mindset Needs to Change
It's time to rethink our approach to exercise and food. Here's why:
Exercise is About More Than Calories
I wasn't at the gym that morning to burn off sweets. I was there to strengthen my body, connect with friends, and feel good. Experts like Emmie Keefe, a Boston-based nutritionist, agree that focusing on calories is counterproductive. She emphasizes that exercise should be about cardiovascular health, mental well-being, emotional balance, and social connections. But here's where it gets controversial: Focusing solely on burning calories can actually undermine the many other benefits of exercise. Research shows that regular exercise improves longevity, reduces anxiety and depression, boosts creativity, and enhances sleep. Viewing exercise as punishment makes it less likely you'll stick with it.
Keefe points out that obsessively counting calories in and out is often unrealistic and unhelpful. Instead, regular exercise can boost motivation and productivity in other areas of life.
Food Isn't the Enemy
How do you feel when you're about to enjoy a special holiday treat? Hopefully, it's excitement, not guilt. Alyssa Royse, owner of Rocket Community Fitness in Seattle, highlights the danger of feeling like you need to "earn" food or undo "damage." She emphasizes that we are inherently allowed to enjoy food and experience pleasure simply by being alive.
And this is the part most people miss: Moralizing food can trigger dangerous thoughts and behaviors, including eating disorders. These disorders can lead to serious health issues. Instead of promoting negative connections, Royse's gym focuses on the joy of the holidays, encouraging clients to challenge negative media messages and embrace body and food neutrality.
Keefe adds that shaming yourself for what you eat can lead to physical consequences, such as stomach problems, due to the stress hormones released. She encourages enjoying food and moving on.
Listen to Your Body
Both experts stress the importance of tuning into your body, especially during the holidays. This means practicing mindful eating, paying attention to how food tastes, and listening to your natural hunger and fullness cues. Food isn't something you "earn," and there's no need to "work it off."
Royse suggests drinking water and taking walks to counteract any physical discomfort, not as punishment. Keefe enjoys holiday foods while prioritizing nutrition, choosing fruits and vegetables when possible. She has seen clients become sick from trying to offset the holidays' physical impact.
It's time to treat your body kindly.
What are your thoughts? Do you agree with this perspective, or do you have a different approach to exercise and food during the holidays? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
If you are struggling with an eating disorder, call the National Eating Disorder Association hotline at 1-800-931-2237.
