Happy Thanksgiving
Your doctorly advice for the day/weekend/holiday season - let's make Thanksgiving less about food and more about gratitude.
Keep a normal meal schedule. Don’t normalize disordered eating behaviors like food restriction - there is no reason to “save room” today and early tomorrow.
In the same vein, don't normalize binge eating. Eat to the point of satiety, like any other meal.
Eat what nourishes your body and brings you pleasure through taste, fond memories, or simply through gratitude for the person/people who made it.
Show grace. Thanksgiving tends to be the culmination of our country's obsession with diet culture. Oftentimes comments like “I ran the Turkey Trot, so I can have an extra roll!” or “My diet starts tomorrow!” are just people making small talk.
Switch the topic. Small talk can easily be about the weather, the parade, or your new favorite toothpaste. Bar room decorum is the name of the game in my family, and people generally stick to it. This also staves off uncomfortable conversations about politics and religion.
If you're struggling with an eating disorder or disordered eating, come into the day with an ally. This person can change the conversation for you, especially if it veers to “You look great/healthy/tired/unwell.”
Build non-food traditions. Help the kids table make hand turkeys. Walk the dog. Watch football, the parade, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, or insert-favorite-holiday-movie-here. Play Alice's Restaurant or Adam Sandler's Thanksgiving Song on repeat. Read a book. Play a board game. Focus on gratitude for things that matter and people, not just food.
It's also OK to disappear for awhile. Practice mindfulness by paying attention to all senses. Meditate for five minutes. Or do as my favorite brewery says, and “Wash your hands and take ten slow, deep breaths before returning to work.”
If you are struggling with an eating disorder or disordered eating, or if you simply value having a primary care doctor who knows you and knows the city, can care for your whole family, and is available when you need her, please contact me.
