Do you need a January Cleanse after Christmas?
After Christmas, January rolls around, and the world saying it’s time for you to ‘make up’ for the holiday food indulgence. There are more weight loss adverts and diet chat is everywhere as everyone is talking about their new year goals.
But should you be doing a ‘cleanse’ after the festivities?
🚫 Why this myth is unhelpful:
The belief that you must "make up" for your Christmas indulgences is not just bonkers; it's a problematic notion that can significantly impact your relationship with food. Here's why this myth deserves to be debunked:
Food as a Reward System: This idea reinforces the notion that food is something to be earned through restriction and/or excessive exercise, creating a black-and-white perspective on nourishment. Your body is not a transactional system; it's a source of vitality and joy.
Impact on Mental Health: Viewing food in such a rigid manner can lead to feelings of guilt and shame. Your relationship with food should be one of enjoyment, not a constant battle with negative emotions.
Fuelling Binge Eating: The "make-up" mentality can contribute to disordered eating habits, fostering a harmful cycle of restriction, overcompensation, and guilt.
🌟 What you could do instead:
Embrace Balance: Instead of falling into the "make-up" mentality, strive for a balanced approach. Enjoy a variety of foods in moderation, and savour the flavours without the burden of compensation.
Nourish, Don't Punish: Shift your mindset from punishing yourself for indulging to nourishing your body with love. Focus on providing your body with wholesome, nutrient-rich foods that contribute to overall well-being.
Listen to Your Body: Tune into your body's signals. Eat when you're hungry, and stop when you're satisfied. Let go of external rules and trust your body's natural cues.
Move for Joy, Not Punishment: Exercise should be about joy, not punishment. Engage in activities that you genuinely enjoy, focusing on how movement makes you feel rather than as a means of compensating for food choices.
😉 Toni’s Top Tip:
If you want to break the binge eating cycle, instead of focussing on what you need to remove from your diet this January. Try focussing on what you can ADD to it.
This might look like:
Adding more beans to your vegetarian diet to ensure you’re getting adequate protein.
Adding more nut butter or avocado if you are looking for more flavour and satisfaction.
Adding some snacks across the day to avoid getting overly hungry.
Let's break free from the damaging ‘make-up’ myth and empower ourselves with positive, sustainable practices for a healthier, more joyful relationship with food!
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