I was recently visiting family when my Dad remembered how much I love these cookies from a local Italian bakery. He’d forgotten, though, that I’ve been avoiding grains—especially wheat.
But those chocolate-robed Neapolitan cookies? My kryptonite. I didn’t want to disappoint my Dad, who was so excited. So, I had one. One can’t hurt… right?
It didn’t hurt—I wasn’t in pain—but it did trigger some “weird vibes” in my abdomen and a bit of skin irritation that lingered all week (and a little into the next). And it got me thinking:
- It’s annoying to feel this way.
- I value feeling good in my body.
- My Dad would have been okay if I politely declined and reminded him of my health goals.
- WOW! Just one cookie does this? Good thing I didn’t have more.
Does this sound familiar? Maybe you have health goals, an autoimmune condition, or sobriety intentions that can be tricky to maintain when someone offers a specially made treat or holiday cocktail.
With my own recent lesson in mind, here are some ideas for handling food and drink situations during “The Holidays”:
- Communicate & Plan: Let your host know about your allergy or health goal, and consider bringing something that works for you—like a low-sugar pumpkin pie with a walnut crust. That way, you have something appetizing without feeling pressured to try everything.
- Nourish & Hydrate: Make sure you’re hydrated, getting 70–90 grams of protein and plenty of veggies on party days to stabilize your energy and appetite.
- Bring a Signature Mocktail: Non-alcoholic options are more interesting than ever. I love opens in a new windowCorta’s Orange Blossom Water with fizzy water and lemon (found at a corner store!), or opens in a new windowSeedlip, sold at speciality grocery stores, for something more complex. And if you do decide to test your limits:
- Practice Compassion: Be kind to yourself if you falter. Reflect, then recommit to your goals next time.
- Internal Board of Directors Journaling: Ask yourself which part of me feels deprived if I don’t enjoy a sampler of all the pies at Thanksgiving? Often it’s an inner child or overworked one craving more delight. How can I provide joy in another, safe way?
- Harm Reduction: Consider bringing your digestive enzymes or Chinese herbs in case you explore the limits of your tolerance.
What’s your favorite holiday food harm-reduction technique? I’d love to hear your stories and strategies.
If you’d like support with sugar cravings, preventing holiday digestive upset, or strengthening your resolve, you can schedule your first or next session opens in a new window::HERE::
The office will be open on Monday, November 24, and closed Tuesday November 25th through December 1. You can grab an appointment for pre-Thanksgiving support opens in a new window::HERE::
I’m so grateful for your business and the trust that you place in my care. In order to operate the practice effectively and provide the level of care that you expect, my rates will increase on January 1, 2026. Rates for return patient visits will go up to $140.
To make this transition easier, I want to give you an opportunity to pre-pay for visits based on 2025 rates:
- Pre-pay for 12 visits at the $135 rate for use in 2026 and get at 13th visit free ($1620
- Pre-pay for 6 visits for use in 2026 ($810)
Just let me know at an upcoming visit if you’d like to do this or respond to this email if you would like to coordinate payment online.
