It’s the season for feasting! And if you want to discover how I navigate Christmas day (or any big feast) so I get al the enjoyment and minimise the regret this week I’m sharing my secrets!
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Video Version
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I used to approach holiday feasts with this weird mix of excitement and dread.
You know that feeling, right?
Looking forward to all that amazing food but also quietly panicking about the aftermath.
But since I learned to listen to my body and become an intuitive eater, all that stress has completely vanished. And I want to share this freedom with you because there’s another way – one where you don’t have to choose between restriction and rolling yourself home like a stuffed turkey.
The Secret? Your Brain Has Options
When we walk into a feast without any plan, we’re basically handing the keys over to our amygdala – that primitive part of our brain that only understands “gimme more sugar NOW!” It doesn’t care about how you’ll feel in an hour. It just wants the Christmas Pavlova. And then more Christmas Pavlova.
But here’s where it gets interesting. We’ve also got this sophisticated part of our brain called the prefrontal cortex. It’s the part that can actually think ahead and go, “Yeah, that Pavlova looks amazing, but remember how gross we felt last year?”
The trick is getting this smarter part of your brain involved BEFORE you’re standing in front of the dessert table. That’s where intention comes in.
How to Set Your Feast Intention
Setting an intention doesn’t have to be complicated. It can happen the morning of, or even as you’re walking into the restaurant. Just ask yourself: “How do I want this to go?”
Your answer might surprise you. Maybe it’s:
- “I want to eat whatever and not think about it” (totally valid!)
- “I want to enjoy everything but not feel gross after”
- “I want to save room for that incredible ice cream”
Whatever comes up, that’s your intention. No judgment. No rules. Just clarity about what YOU want.
My Christmas Game Plan
Let me share what I’m doing this Christmas. I’m setting my intention now: I won’t pick while cooking (massive challenge for me!).
I’ll serve myself a reasonable portion, slow down, and when I feel satisfied – not stuffed – I’ll stop. Because I definitely want room for ice cream.
For drinks? A couple of glasses of champagne while cooking, maybe one or two with lunch, then I’m done.
That’s my plan, and having it means I’m way more likely to feel good about my choices.
Two Game-Changing Tips
Tip 1: Slow the heck down. Put your fork down between bites. Actually chew.
There’s no rush – you’re celebrating! This simple trick helps you actually taste your food and notice when you’re satisfied.
Tip 2: You can choose again in any moment. Say you pour that extra glass of wine you said you wouldn’t have. No drama! You can decide in that moment: “Actually, I do want this” and enjoy it. Or “Nah, I’ll just have a sip.”
Don’t fall for the “what the hell, I’ve already blown it” trap.
You can literally choose again with every single bite.
Your Holiday Invitation
Here’s what I want you to do: Before your next feast, take 30 seconds to set an intention. How do you want it to go? What would feel good – both during AND after?
Then treat it as an experiment. Notice how having that intention changes your experience. No perfection required – just curiosity about what works for you.
Because you can actually enjoy feasting without the food hangover. You just need to let the smart part of your brain have a say before the sugar-loving part takes over.
In your corner,
Jules xx
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