4 Ways to Deal with Food and Body Comments at Your Holiday Dinner

Why is it that people think they have the right to comment on what you’re eating or not eating? To me, this is synonymous with someone touching a pregnant woman’s belly.

No, this is not okay!

Yet, it happens All. The. Time.

Think back to your last holiday get-together. There you are enjoying the meal when Auntie Mary quietly (or not so quietly) says “Are you allowed to have that? I thought you were on a diet?”

Or your partner gives you “the eyes” as you reach for the holiday cookies at dessert time.

Or, maybe the conversation at the table is all about what diets everyone will start in the New Year!

I recognize that family get-togethers can pose some major obstacles as you navigate your path back towards Intuitive Eating.

Here are 4 ways to deal with these invading comments:

1.Manage your expectations, know your triggers. If you know that your parent, aunt, partner, cousin etc. typically makes these types of intrusive comments, be ready with a comeback for when they open their mouth. Try something like:

“It is not okay to comment on what I’m eating or not eating. Please focus on your own plate.”

Simple, straightforward, firm yet respectful at the same time.

2. Set boundaries. At the start of the holiday meal, set the boundaries that you would appreciate no diet talk at the table. You can say something like:

“I would like to ask a favor of everyone here. I have a hard time hearing about people’s diets, detoxes, plans etc. Those things have caused me to have a difficult relationship with food and my body, and I’m trying to recover. So, let’s keep the conversation “diet-free”.

3. Change the subject. When someone makes a comment that is triggering for you, just change the subject and say, “We haven’t seen each other in so long, what have you been up to lately?” Or, “have you read any new books recently. I’m looking for a recommendation.”

4. Practice self-care. Rest, movement and stress management are essential to calmly managing situations that otherwise might be irritating. Think about it. If you are exhausted, you have less patience and will either take it out on your family member or on the food. So take some time to build in rest, movement and stress management strategies to keep you calm, cool and collected.

What About Food Pushers?

A food pusher is someone who continuously asks you to have more food, even after you’ve stated that you don’t want, or that you’ve had enough.

We all probably know these types of people. But how do you deal with them?

Join me today for a LIVE Training where we will dig deeper into navigating negative food and body talk, AND how to deal with these food pushers.