The holidays can be the most joyful time of the year, but for many, they’re filled with stress, guilt, and food anxiety. If you’re constantly wondering how to stop binge eating during the holidays, you’re not alone.

Maybe you’re stuck in the same cycle every year—restricting for weeks to “prepare,” only to feel out of control the moment the food arrives. You promise yourself it will be different this time, but you still end up bingeing, feeling sick, and drowning in guilt.

Here’s the truth: it doesn’t have to be this way. If you’re ready to break free, enjoy the holidays, and stop obsessing over food, this guide will show you how.

Why Does Binge Eating Happen During the Holidays?

Understanding how to stop binge eating during the holidays starts with knowing why it happens in the first place:

1. You’re starving your body.
   If you’ve been restricting for weeks (or months), your body is desperate for nourishment. By the time the holidays arrive, bingeing feels inevitable because your body is trying to catch up.
2. You’re living for “special occasions.”
   Saving up calories or depriving yourself “until Christmas” creates a ticking time bomb. You feel intense pressure to eat everything while you can—because you’ll “start fresh” after the holidays, right?
3. You’re trapped in guilt and shame.
   Diet culture teaches us that food is the enemy and weight gain is the ultimate failure. But food isn’t the problem. Restriction and shame are what keep you stuck.

The result? A holiday season that feels like a battle instead of a celebration.

My Story: Why I Know This All Too Well

I used to start dieting in September every single year. I believed that if I lost enough weight, I’d “earn” the right to eat at Christmas. And so, I’d restrict, count every calorie, and fantasize about the food I’d binge on for three days straight.

But the truth? It was miserable.

Before Christmas dinner even started, I was already stuffed to the point of feeling sick. I thought I wanted to eat boxes of cookies and endless desserts, but I didn’t. I was just so starved—physically and mentally—that I couldn’t stop.

It took years of healing to break free from that cycle. Today, I approach Christmas differently:

• I’m well-fed all year long.
• I eat what I want without panic or shame.
• I enjoy Christmas dinner, cookies, and celebrations without obsessing.

And guess what? You can, too.

How to Stop Binge Eating During the Holidays: 5 Steps to Freedom

If you’re ready to stop the binge-restrict cycle and find peace with food this holiday season, here are the steps you need to take:

1. Stop Restricting Now

The more you restrict leading up to the holidays, the more likely you are to binge. Start eating enough today. Feed your body regularly so you’re not panicked or starved when the big meal arrives.

2. Drop the All-or-Nothing Mindset

You don’t have to choose between eating nothing and eating everything. Allow yourself to enjoy food in a way that feels good for your body. Remember: one cookie isn’t going to ruin you, and neither is dessert.

Finding balance is key to learning how to stop binge eating during the holidays.

3. Focus on What Really Matters

The holidays aren’t about food—they’re about connection, joy, and celebration. Focus on:

• Spending time with loved ones.
• Starting meaningful traditions.
• Creating memories that have nothing to do with the buffet table.

When food is no longer the main event, it loses its power over you.

4. Show Your Body Respect

Bingeing and restricting are two sides of the same coin: they come from not trusting or respecting your body. Instead of punishing yourself, try listening to your body’s signals. Eat when you’re hungry. Stop when you’re full—or don’t. It’s a process, and perfection isn’t the goal.

5. Commit to Healing Now—Not “After the Holidays”

If you’re telling yourself “this is the last year I’ll diet,” I want to challenge you: why wait? The longer you put off healing, the harder it becomes. Start now. Choose freedom today—not next year, not next month, not tomorrow.

Ready for a Binge-Free Holiday Season?

If the holidays fill you with stress, fear, and anxiety, I’ve created something just for you. I’m hosting a live Coaching Series to help you get through the season without bingeing, guilt, or food obsession.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• The secret to enjoying the holidays without depriving yourself or spiraling out of control.
• How to handle guilt and anxiety around eating “too much.”
• The 3 strategies to approach holiday parties with ease—and actually have fun.
• The #1 reason women binge on Thanksgiving and Christmas (and how to stop it).
• My 5 favorite tools to reduce stress, connect with your loved ones, and stop obsessing over food.

This is your chance to transform your holidays and start creating a relationship with food that feels good—without shame or panic.

👉 Sign up for the Coaching Series here.

Final Thoughts: You Can Stop Binge Eating During the Holidays

You don’t have to spend another holiday season battling food, dreading weight gain, or feeling miserable. This year can be different—if you let it.

Start now. Nourish your body. Let go of restriction. And remember: you deserve freedom, joy, and peace—not just during the holidays, but every single day.

It’s your choice—what will you decide?