Christmas is a period of celebration and indulgent feasts. However, for some, the holiday season can bring a unique set of challenges, particularly when it comes to food. Majority of the time,
food is usually the pinnacle of Christmas festivities which can cause heightened anxiety across this specific holiday time, perhaps more so than usual. Overindulgence during the Christmas period can be feared by those who struggle with compulsive eating.
Food centred gatherings
Holiday gatherings frequently revolve around lavish meals and abundant treats and for those who struggle with eating issues, the prospect of navigating these events can be overwhelming. The sheer volume of food can be daunting. Food-centred gatherings and large dinners with a strategy in mind for how we will consume. When we think about regulating our eating in this way, we tend to limit or binge. When we have apprehension of overeating, it is difficult to eat instinctively. Instead, we pay attention to our emotions and worry and allow them to govern how we eat.
Restrictive Eating vs Binge Eating
Some individuals may feel the need to control their food intake tightly during the holidays, even discussing calorie counts and dietary restrictions at gatherings. This can add a layer of stress to an otherwise joyful season. On the other hand, some people may overindulge during the holidays and struggle to regain control afterward. They may promise to eat less in the New Year, setting themselves up for a cycle of restriction and binging.
How Can Hypnotherapy Help?
Christmas and eating disorders do not have to be synonymous with one another. You can handle food-related issues throughout the celebrations with guidance, techniques for coping and mindfulness. Hypnotherapy can be used as a tool to reframe habit patterns and alter emotional attachments to food.
Client Testimonials
Testimonial 1
"I had my first of 4 sessions with Angela at the beginning of April and cannot recommend her highly enough - my experience has been life changing! I wanted Angela to help me with my relationship with food, I was about 3 stone from my ideal weight and a real emotional eater. 3 times in my adult life I have lost 2-3 stone, so I knew the text book reasons of how to lose weight, less calories, more exercise etc. But ultimately I always gained it back because despite knowing what to do, sometimes I just couldn't do it, my mindset needed reframing around my relationship with food if I was going to lose it and keep it off for good. I wanted to set a good example to my sons and did not want to be a yo-yo dieter for life. It's emotionally draining. I was hopeful seeing Angela would work, but really had no idea with no prior experience of hypnotherapy, but decided to invest in myself - and with all the money I'd spent on diets and gym memberships in the past, it was worth a go. At the start of each session, Angela would take 5 minutes or so talking me through what we would do in that time, and then put me into a deeply relaxed state so she could work her magic, we then spent the last 5 minutes of each session discussing what had happened. She was always very professional and sensitive! I had 4 sessions, across 5-6 weeks and even after the first one I felt myself reaching for unhealthy snacks less. By the end of the 4th session, the difference I feel is hard to explain. I naturally reach for healthier options first, not because I'm "on a diet", but because that's what I actually want. I no longer feel tired and lethargic all the time, or emotionally drained from being in the viscous cycle of eating to feel better. Now I am an intuitive eater, eating because I'm actually hungry and want to nourish my body rather than just to shove food in my mouth as a comfort when I'm not even hungry. I cannot recommend Angela highly enough - she has truly changed my life."
Testimonial 2
"Faced with the fact that I needed to go on a sugar free diet, I approached Angela for her help. She listened to what I needed to achieve and clarified things with further questioning. She was very clear about what she would be doing during the session and made me feel very at ease. After just one session I am now well on my way to a sugar free diet. My unhealthy relationship with sugary treats has changed for the better and I no longer think about where my next sugar 'fix' is coming from, in fact, I have no interest whatsoever in anything sugary. To have turned my 'addiction' around in just one session, is nothing short of miraculous! Thank you Angela!!!"