Benefits of Seeing a Registered Dietitian During the Holiday Season
- Sabrina Stadelman
- Dec 8
- 3 min read
Challenging the diet-culture talk can be difficult, but with support, it can bring us joy and peace this holiday season.
Written by Sabrina Stadelman & Cristina Luibil, MS, RD, LDN
The holidays are meant to be a time of joy, connection, and celebration shared with family and loved ones. However, the holidays can also be a stressful time. Unfortunately, food often becomes a source of holiday stress. People usually worry about what they eat, how much they eat, and comments that may be made by others about their food choices. The problem is that food, which is meant to be part of a shared celebration, becomes the main focus, overshadowing a day spent connecting with family or friends.
This is something that many people struggle with, but it doesn’t have to be this way. It is possible to take the focus off food, and it involves doing the exact opposite of what diet culture has taught us we should be doing.
Many of us have been told to skip meals leading up to the holiday main course, to engage in heavy exercise that we don’t enjoy just to "make up" for calories consumed, and to say no to foods that we’ve labeled “bad”. All of this leads to feelings of guilt, stress, and anxiety. Instead, dietitians recommend
Eating regular meals
Allowing yourself to have the foods you want in the amount that satisfies you
To stop labeling foods as “good” or “bad
To eat intuitively, focusing on enjoying the foods you love and look forward to
Even though these tips may sound simple (or maybe they sound difficult, and that’s okay too!), it can be a challenge to change your habits and mindset and unlearn diet culture. It's especially when so many of us have grown up with these harmful food rules and attitudes. This is why it can be beneficial to see a registered dietitian who can support you in improving your relationship with food, especially during the holiday season.
Working with a registered dietitian, you will get science-backed recommendations to support you, your lifestyle, and your personal health and nutrition goals. Working with a registered dietitian during the holidays can have the added benefit of providing recommendations to help you eat mindfully, eat regular meals, and be more relaxed around food. Imagine how empowering it would be, knowing that you have the tools to listen to your body and its needs rather than outside food rules and diet talk.
If you want support in your journey to ditch diet culture, focus on proper nourishment, and feel more relaxed and present this holiday season, Aterra Nutrition can help. Our registered dietitians focus on nourishment, intuitive eating, and your personal needs and goals without any rules or restrictions. If you would like to talk with us, check out the link below.
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Disclaimer: The information shared in this blog is for general educational and informational purposes only. It may not be tailored to your specific health needs as it is written here. This content is not intended to replace personalized medical advice, nutrition counseling, or medical nutrition therapy. Any recipes or suggestions provided are meant to inspire and should be used at your discretion. Always consult with your own registered dietitian, physician, or healthcare provider before making changes to your nutrition, lifestyle, or treatment plan. If you choose, Aterra Nutrition would be happy to help you in your own, individual nutrition and intuitive eating journey.
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