There is certainly nothing wrong with enjoying holiday treats, and everything in moderation is an important key in balance. Making food the primary focus of the holidays however can create an unhealthy balance in the other direction. Along with the focus on food, additional stress factors that come with the holidays can send those with disordered eating into an unhealthy pattern.

There are ways to combat the anxiety that comes with the holidays for those who struggle. Here are some tips for maintaining a healthy balance during the holidays.

1. Be Prepared. Don't go to a holiday party/gathering on an empty stomach. Have a high protein/high fiber snack before hand to ensure that you don't overeat because you are overly hungry.

2. Bring a Healthy Dish to Pass. This way you know that there will be at least one healthy dish to enjoy, and you can have small portions of the not-so-healthy dishes!

3. Avoid Extremes. It is so important to go into this season with a mindset of balance. It is helpful to realize that it is ok to enjoy some treats, but it is also acceptable to turn down food as well. During the holidays, many people are offering food as a gesture of love. I have learned that If I’m truly full, it is ok to be honest and politely say, “No thank you”. Most people will respect you when you politely say no. The great thing about this is, it allows you to say yes to the things you truly do enjoy in a balanced way.

Second, give yourself time to decompress. When the stress of the season is at it’s peak, it can be hard to keep emotional eating and disordered patterns at bay. One way to overcome this is by making sure that your schedule allows for a balance of rest and quite time in the midst of all of the hustle and bustle.

And last but not least, it is important to learn to have grace with yourself. I find that one of the greatest downfalls when it comes to the holidays is that it sets most people for feelings of guilt and shame. When it comes to binge eating, or disordered eating patterns, these thought patterns can often be a slippery slope. In times like these, I always say the best thing you could do is learn to bounce back! Remember, it is not one meal, or one party that will make you unhealthy so don't let it get you in a defeated mindset! Just make the simple choice to bounce back. Start the next day by making the choice to continue in a healthy lifestyle.