Ep. 166: Rein in Overeating & Overdrinking During the Holidays (with Patrick Fox)
Dec 23, 2024
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Kathryn welcomes Patrick Fox, a sober coach and host of the Alcohol Rethink Podcast, who specializes in helping people re-evaluate their relationship with alcohol and food. They discuss strategies to navigate holiday overeating and overdrinking, emphasizing personal choice and self-compassion. Patrick shares grounding techniques to manage cravings and the importance of mindful eating. The conversation encourages listeners to confront fears around indulgence and offers practical advice for maintaining healthy habits during the festive season.
The podcast discusses the need to redefine holiday celebrations by prioritizing connection and joy over overeating and overdrinking.
Effective coping strategies, like grounding exercises, are essential for managing urges to binge and regaining control during the festive season.
Deep dives
Managing Overindulgence During the Holidays
The holiday season often brings about challenges related to overeating and overdrinking, largely due to cultural norms that associate celebration with excessive food and alcohol consumption. Individuals frequently feel compelled to indulge, believing that the fleeting nature of the festive season serves as an excuse to engage in harmful behaviors. The conversation emphasizes the importance of making intentional choices instead of succumbing to old patterns, highlighting that January won't magically resolve the consequences of these behaviors. It reinforces the idea of being proactive by planning meals and drinking responsibly during holiday gatherings.
Reframing Celebration and Coping Mechanisms
There is a common misconception that celebration must involve overeating or drinking. It is essential to redefine what celebration means, focusing on connection and joy rather than indulgence. The podcast suggests recognizing these deeply ingrained habits and choosing to celebrate mindfully, making healthy decisions that align with personal goals. Participants are encouraged to reflect on their motivations for eating and drinking and to seek alternative methods of celebration that do not compromise their health.
Developing Strategies to Resist Urges
During the holidays, urges to binge can become overwhelming, making it crucial to adopt effective coping strategies. Techniques discussed include grounding exercises such as the '5-4-3-2-1' method, which helps divert focus from cravings by engaging the senses. By actively participating in this exercise, individuals learn to interrupt the cycle of urge-driven behavior and regain control over their choices. It is essential for individuals to practice these techniques regularly, so they become instinctive when faced with temptation during social events.
Building Self-Trust and Creating New Traditions
The importance of self-trust is emphasized, particularly as individuals reflect on past experiences of overindulgence during the holidays. By recognizing that fear and doubt may stem from previous instances of bingeing, individuals can begin to separate these feelings from their current choices. Encouraging proactive planning and setting boundaries can help cultivate a new identity that aligns with healthier behaviors. The conversation concludes by advocating for the creation of new traditions that prioritize mental and physical well-being, rather than repeating past cycles of excess.
Kathryn talks with Patrick Fox who is a Sober Coach and the host of the Alcohol Rethink Podcast about overcoming problematic drinking and excessive eating during the holidays. These are common behaviors during festive times, but you can make new choices this year that align with who you want to be and how you want to feel.
Disclaimer: *The Brain over Binge Podcast is produced and recorded by Brain over Binge Recovery Coaching, LLC. All work is copyrighted by Brain over Binge Recovery Coaching, LLC, and all rights are reserved. As a disclaimer, the hosts of the Brain over Binge Podcast are not professional counselors or licensed healthcare providers, and this podcast is not a substitute for medical advice or any form of professional therapy. Eating disorders can have serious health consequences and you are strongly advised to seek medical attention for matters relating to your health. Please get help when you need it, and good luck on your journey.
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