Ep 23 Undieting Holiday Heartache – Grieving Without Eating the Pain Away

Holidays can be a mix of joy and deep grief—especially when the post-Thanksgiving "why bother until January?" mindset makes emotional eating and drinking at family gatherings all too tempting. In this episode, Cheryl shares how to feel the sadness, show up fully, and undiet without overload. Drawing from science on stress eating and intuitive strategies, plus a comforting Scripture anchor, discover the 3-Step Holiday Anchor: Acknowledge grief before going, set boundaries during events, and choose wise comforts afterward. Perfect for navigating Christmas heartache with body freedom. New episodes every Monday—subscribe now!

References:

• NIH: "Overweight & Obesity" (2024) – Emotional eating and cortisol triggers. [https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/adult-overweight-obesity]
• Mayo Clinic: "Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)" (2024) – Appetite changes from seasonal stress. [https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651]
• Harvard Health: "Intuitive Eating: What It Is, and How Can It Help You?" (January 3, 2024) – Emotion labeling, swaps, and prayer's brain-calming effects. [https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/intuitive-eating-what-is-it-and-how-can-it-help-you-202401033007]
• American Heart Association: "Yo-Yo Dieting and Your Heart" (2023) – Risks of holiday cycles. [https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/losing-weight/yo-yo-dieting-and-your-heart]
• Scripture: Psalm 34:18 (NIV) – "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

Connect & Share:

• Tag @undieting101 on Instagram with #UndietingHolidayGrief.
• Email [e-mail] for coaching questions.
• Rate 5 stars on Spotify/Apple Podcasts and share with a friend grieving this season.
• Subscribe: https://undieting101.com/blog/ or via your podcast app.
• Get the Guide: Download the Undieting Food Tracker for tracking emotional eats.

Disclaimer:

The insights and tips shared in this podcast are based on my personal journey and are for informational and motivational purposes only. They are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have specific health concerns or questions related to your medical condition, please consult with your healthcare provider. Remember, your health journey is unique, and what has worked for me might not be suitable for everyone. The content here does not aim to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and results from following the strategies discussed can vary.