Food and The Holidays

For the past couple of years, I have struggled with wanting to go home or celebrate some of the holidays (especially Thanksgiving) because of the strong emphasis on food. Don't get me wrong, I love food, but it is no fun when you have a condition that limits what you can and can't eat, and the amounts that you can eat. This year, it has hit me how much the holidays revolve around food. That makes it difficult for those of us who struggle constantly with these food-related issues.

The question is, how can those with food-related conditions cope with the stress that comes around the holidays? Studies have shown that the holidays can be difficult on people, and usually bring stress and depression, which is real. For me, not being able to participate fully brings on these symptoms. I don't have the answer on this one, though I wish I did. The holidays still are one of those times that are hard for me to manage my stomach condition, which makes me discouraged. I want to change that this year, so I've done some research.

There is a plethora or information out there on how to deal with depression and stress during the holidays (like the link below from the Mayo Clinic).

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress/MH00030

On the website for the IFFGD (International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorder) there are some tips to help with acid reflux and other issues, with GI issues. http://www.iffgd.org/site/manage-your-health/holidays/

Below are the tips that they give for healthy thinking during the holidays for people with IBS. Even though IBS is not my condition, these tips are still applicable.

Healthy Thinking During the Holidays

Barbara Bradley Bolen offers a number of detailed suggestions for reducing the impact of IBS during the holidays.
     Practice active self care: Practicing these new skills will help you to keep your focus on your own well-being rather than just being caught up with all of the myriad tasks that this time of year seems to require:

• Plan ahead
• Practice relaxation exercises
• Practice kind and gentle feeding
• Tell the caring people in your life about your IBS
• Speak up about any special needs you have
• Take steps to protect yourself from critical people.

Earlier this week, I took some of this advice and talked with my mom about how I was feeling. A lot of the time, people don't know what you are thinking unless you tell them. As we talked about my concerns and my feelings, it was eye-opening. I always felt like an inconvenience and annoyance because I tend to complain and be a bummer to be around. We talked through some of the issues that I had and why I wasn't wanting to deal with Thanksgiving. It was a good conversation. 

I had created my own list of ways to cope. Most of those are on the list above. One I would add would be to get outside and get some fresh air and natural light. This could be hard if it is cold. Believe me, I'm from Idaho, I know. It could be as much as sitting outside for 5 minutes or taking a walk or even a friendly game of football, depending on the weather of course. Another tip I would give would be to find ways to make the holidays less about the food and more about the company. How? Maybe give yourself a project that is not food related. Perhaps you could volunteer to be the kid watcher. You could take on the task of decorating. Do something that gets you out of kitchen but still able to help.

It's hard to describe what it feels like to have a food related condition. The best way I have figured, is that it is similar to being pregnant. In fact, I listen to the symptoms of family and friends as they go through pregnancy and I completely understand how they feel, even though it seems a bit odd. The smells make your stomach churn. You have to eat every couple hours, even though you have little to no appetite. You have very little energy. There is even some pain and discomfort involved.

I would love to hear any other tips or feedback you have on the holidays and food. I'm not an expert on this issue, but would love to learn about how to better deal and cope with food and the holidays. Suggestions, tips, stories, and more would be helpful.

Happy Holiday Season My Friends!