It’s that time of year again – Trader Joe’s has unveiled their irresistible pumpkin treats, signaling that the holiday season is just around the corner. While you’ve been making great strides in your relationship with food, the return of these holiday goodies might trigger that old fear of not having enough of your favorite seasonal delights, aka food scarcity mindset.

But what exactly is a scarcity mindset? It’s when you believe that certain foods are in short supply and that you need to stockpile them urgently.

Eliminating Food Scarcity Mindset

If you’re on a quest to make peace with your food relationship, it’s time to give the boot to the food scarcity mindset, especially when it comes to those tantalizing seasonal holiday treats. But wait, how can you do that when these scrumptious delights are here today, gone tomorrow? Here are your steps:

Zoom Out

Take a breather, friends! Just because you can’t dive headfirst into these particular goodies until the next holiday season doesn’t mean you’re stuck in a tasteless food desert. Remind yourself: “Deliciousness isn’t going extinct; I’ll be A-OK.” Keep that mantra on speed dial for any scarcity mindset you feel creeping in.

Savor the Moment

When you’re savoring your favorite holiday treats, don’t even think about when they won’t be available anymore. Bring your mind back to this moment. You get to enjoy it now! Dive into the experience of relishing each bite you have at this moment instead.

Put It in Perspective

Sure, that pumpkin spice latte is amazing, and those muffins might be your favorite. But do you know what’s even better than the flavor you’re getting from these foods? It’s the experiences you have each time you enjoy these treats. Make it about more than just the food. Perhaps it’s those cozy mornings with your spouse or catching up with your bestie over pastries. Think about the big picture. While these holiday treats are currently an exciting part of the year, they’re not the whole story. Enjoy them now, and remember that when they disappear until next year, you still have so many fun experiences to look forward to involving food, and the deliciousness isn’t going away.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ryann Prentice, LPC | Binge Eating Therapist (@itsryannnicole)

So, as you embark on this holiday season, armed with these strategies to combat the scarcity mindset, remember this: the joy of indulging in your favorite seasonal treats is just a small part of the big picture. While Trader Joe’s pumpkin goodies may come and go, the love shared over a cup of coffee with your spouse or the laughter exchanged with your best friend over pastries are the true treasures of the season.

So, go ahead, savor those holiday delights, embrace abundance, and cherish the moments that truly matter. When all is said and done, it’s not just about the food; it’s about the memories you create and the joy you share. Cheers to a season filled with delicious treats, loving company, and a heart full of gratitude!

---

Keep Learning:

• Turning a Pastry into a Balanced Meal or Snack!
• Why can’t I stop eating at night?
• The “30 Food Fears In 30 Days” Challenge

---

Must Read Books To Improve Your Relationship With Food 

Just so you know, I do review everything I recommend. When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission.

Intuitive Eating by Elise Resch and Evelyn Tribole 

When it was first published, Intuitive Eating was revolutionary in its anti-dieting approach. The authors, both prominent health professionals in the field of nutrition and eating disorders, urge readers to embrace the goal of developing body positivity and reconnecting with one’s internal wisdom about eating―to unlearn everything they were taught about calorie-counting and other aspects of diet culture and to learn about the harm of weight stigma.

Health At Every Size by Lindo Bacon

Fat isn’t the problem. Dieting is the problem. A society that rejects anyone whose body shape or size doesn’t match an impossible ideal is the problem. A medical establishment that equates “thin” with “healthy” is the problem. The solution? Health at Every Size. Tune in to your body’s expert guidance. Find the joy in movement. Eat what you want, when you want, choosing pleasurable foods that help you to feel good. You too can feel great in your body right now—and Health at Every Size will show you how.

Anti-Diet by Christy Harrison

In Anti-Diet, Christy Harrison takes on diet culture and the multi-billion-dollar industries that profit from it, exposing all the ways it robs people of their time, money, health, and happiness. It will turn what you think you know about health and wellness upside down, as Harrison explores the history of diet culture, how it’s infiltrated the health and wellness world, how to recognize it in all its sneaky forms, and how letting go of efforts to lose weight or eat “perfectly” actually helps to improve people’s health—no matter their size. Drawing on scientific research, personal experience, and stories from patients and colleagues, Anti-Diet provides a radical alternative to diet culture, and helps readers reclaim their bodies, minds, and lives so they can focus on the things that truly matter.

Just Eat It by Laura Thomas

With a perfect blend of scientific expertise and relatable anecdotes, the author dismantles societal myths around food and body image. Through practical advice, self-reflection exercises, and a touch of humor, Thomas equips readers with the tools to break free from the cycle of diet culture, promoting self-love and nourishment. This book is an essential companion for anyone seeking to redefine their approach to food, fostering a positive and sustainable lifestyle.