Feeling the Holiday Food Fear? You’re Not Alone.

I recently came across a letter I wrote during my days in Overeaters Anonymous. It was addressed to sugar—a breakup letter, really—my attempt to ban it from my life forever. Back then, I couldn’t imagine a life where candy could be enjoyed. Sweets had always had a lording control over me, ever since I was a kid. 

Growing up, I loved sweets. They were limited by the adults around me, though. I remember hearing things like “sugar makes you hyper” or “sugar is bad.” Yet it was always there, lingering—just out of reach. 

Eventually, I started sneaking and hiding candy whenever the opportunity presented itself. Deep down, I knew I wasn’t supposed to want it, but I did. 

With the winter holidays approaching, I’m reminded how much fear comes up during this season—and I don’t mean the chaos of gift shopping or endless to-do lists. It’s the fear of holiday treats, of “too much sugar,” of resolutions to undo the indulgence. The worry isn’t just for ourselves—it’s about what messages we might be sending our kids, too. What are they learning from our stress, our rules, or our avoidance? 

I remember that fear well. I was terrified of sweets. If they were near me, I was sure that one bite would lead to endless eating. Breaking up with sugar seemed like the only way out. I figured if I swore off sugar, no decisions would need to be made. Simple, right? 

But it wasn’t. Instead, I found myself obsessing over it even more. Where was the line? Were natural sugars okay? How much? Did flour count? 

The constant restriction backfired. Instead of thinking about food less, I thought about it more. 

Then I discovered intuitive eating. 

Today, I haven’t binged in over a decade. I have sweets and treats around me, and guess what? I’m okay. I trust myself to know what feels good and when to stop. Fifteen years ago, that idea would’ve sounded impossible. Now, it feels like freedom. 

Even more importantly, my child isn’t growing up seeing food as the enemy. Dessert isn’t a reward or something to sneak—it’s just food. And that’s a gift I’m so grateful to give. 

I’m sharing this because I want you to know that if you’re tired of obsessing over food, there’s another way. It’s not just because I managed it—it’s because intuitive eating is an evidence-based framework that’s been tested time and time again. 

This winter, as the diet talk ramps up and resolutions start swirling, consider this: What if the goal wasn’t to control food, but to make peace with it? What if next holiday season could feel entirely different—not just for you, but for the example you set for your family? 

That possibility starts with small shifts in how we approach food. And when you’re ready to explore what those shifts could look like for you, I’d love to support you. 

For now, let this be a gentle reminder: you don’t have to stay stuck in the cycle of fear and guilt. A different relationship with food is possible, and it starts with believing it could be. 

Until next time, 

Dr. Kerri 

@thedietrebellion