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THANKSGIVING
The media celebrates Thanksgiving as the beginning of holiday season. Commercials and advertisements make it seem as if every family in the world is happy, loving, close (and white), gathering over a table loaded with turkey and all the trimmings, grateful for their wonderful lives. For many people, this scenario is a fantasy, not a reality.
Additionally, Thanksgiving (otherwise known as “National Binge Day”) is a time when people are expected to eat until they are in a stupor, and it’s even considered bad manners not to taste everything. For those who struggle with disordered eating, this can be extremely challenging.
Often, people think they are triggered by food when they are really triggered by an emotional need. If you find yourself thinking about mashed potatoes or stuffing, perhaps you are lonely and seeking to fill an internal emptiness. If you are drawn to pumpkin pie and other sweets, maybe you need more comfort and sweetness in your life. If you find yourself turning against food, it’s possible that you are trying to deny your needs – for connection, love, friendship, even food.
QUESTIONS:
What is the most difficult part of Thanksgiving? Food? Family? Lack of family?
What do you like about the holiday season?
What helps during this time?
What doesn’t help?
What are the emotional triggers?
Comments and questions are welcome. Please share on Facebook and/or Twitter so more people can benefit from the information on this blog.
Legal Disclaimer: The content on this site is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as psychotherapy or as a substitute for psychotherapy advice, diagnosis or treatment.
3 comments:
I don't know how to answer these questions yet. I will say though that Thanksgiving is probably by far the hardest day of the year for people who are trying to watch their weight.
I find the title of this blog post slightly humorous. National Binge Day sounds about right. :) This is the one day of the year that is probably hardest for most people, and it is the one day of the year when most families try to act like a real family.
I have to admit, I actually observe this "National Binge Day" too well. I think it's alright to do as long as you can get back on track with your diet the next day. However, I must confess, with a week's worth of leftovers around the house it can be hard to do.
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