Luckily, society has moved on from long-standing, harmful terms such as "bikini body," finally recognizing that all human bodies are bikini bodies. And while we've mostly put this kind of toxic terminology behind us, some dangerous words have stuck around, clinging to outdated perspectives on health. Example: bikini body's wintertime cousin — "holiday detox." Blech.
Know That Holiday Food Is Important
If society’s going to assign moral value to food, why not make it positive? Not only does it bestow emotional and spiritual comfort (holiday cheer is a real thing and nostalgia can in fact make you happier), but also because it connects you with your culture, notes Breland-Noble. “Food is one of the most unique cultural markers we have,” she says. “There are so many different types of cuisines and methods of preparation that reify who we are as people of diverse cultures.”
That includes the process of cooking and creating food. "The process of preparing food is often culturally based and serves as an activity to bring people together and help us honor (and pass down) traditions," says Breland-Noble. "If starchy foods are a cultural staple in your community and a big part of how you connect with family during the holidays, how do you 'detox' from them at all — or in a way that honors you and your customs?" Better yet, really ask yourself why you would want to.
If you're more interested in the nutrition side of this argument, know this: Holiday food is not harming your body. "Rest assured that whatever kinds of foods you're putting into your body over the holiday season are fine," says Mastela. "It's likely that your home cooking — whether it's sweets or other holiday meals — is actually less toxic than the other food you're eating throughout the year."
Yes, holiday foods are typically more indulgent — eggnog is never going to be a kale salad. But try putting it in perspective with the rest of what you're eating; the mission here is to remove guilt and realize that you're nourishing your body and soul this time of year.
How to Approach the Holidays with a Healthy Mindset
It's understandable that these long-standing perspectives on indulgence and guilt won't be changed overnight, but you can make small, positive behavior changes during the holidays that can begin to change the way you look at your food choices this time of year and beyond.
Instead of planning a post-holiday "detox," what if you just ate more slowly and mindfully, savoring and appreciating your food, practicing gratitude? "Focus on the joy — relax and meditate on the idea that food is a near-essential part of holiday joy and pleasure," says Mastela. "And remind yourself that you have a liver who is constantly detoxifying you."
If you're struggling to ditch the post-holiday detox mindset (which can be hard to de-program if you've been in this headspace for years!), here are a few things you can do to begin to break the pattern, according to these experts.
If 2020 is a dumpster fire, how about we throw the word "detox" in there and run away to 2021? Sounds like a plan.
