For the last three years, I have either been on a crazy diet or coming off of one at this seasonal feasting time of year. This is for real health reasons, as I am not a masochist.

Each event becomes a religious examination of my will, and ends in either a testimony to triumph or an accursed confessional as my symptoms flare up again. I am here today to preach some ways to stay in the light this season.

First of all, bring your own snacks and desserts with you. Most of my diets have allowed crushed nuts and coconut cream, which can be blended with cinnamon, cardamom powder, nutmeg, powdered cloves, honey, and vanilla extract. This is a respectably delicious experience.

You might find yourself staring down an item at a holiday dinner and getting that twitch. First, walk away. Breathe. Tell yourself that you’re doing great. Snack on something else. Go and find someone interesting to talk to about anything but food. (Note: If your relatives are freaks who you struggle to enjoy, pretend that you are a cultural anthropologist and interview them about their strange histories.)

Yet again, you find you are standing before it. The temptation is getting too much, so dare yourself. Pick it up very consciously, mouth closed tight, and hover it beneath your nose. Pause, and inhale its essence. Huff it as though you were eating it. Then place it back down, laugh along with your staring family and friends, and feel impressed at your incredible will power.

This odd tactic reminds me that I am making a choice. I also get some sort of fix out of the aroma. It’s not for everyone though. If you find whipped cream trailing out of your nose the next day, you went too far.

WARNING: If you are allowed to drink on your diet and are already drunk, or inebriated in another fashion, this is not a good time to test your resolve to the sniff challenge. In that case, maybe go outside and take up smoking.

Obviously that is a terrible idea. Do NOT take up smoking cigarettes.

Instead, I recommend vaporizing herbal essences from Holi Smokes. They are a wonderful small company that produces herbal vape tinctures that have calming or uplifting subtle effects. It’s not much different for your lungs than being in a steam room, as they are in a vegetable extract base.

Vaping herbal tinctures relax my cravings for emotional eating. I feel like I am treating myself to a delight, and it distracts me from the food table.

Whatever you do to pull through the holidays, know that other people on weird diets are with you. You can do this. Call upon your spiritual guides, give prayer a go, and sing your own praises for each treat you did not eat.

Happy Holidays to you All!

Check out Holi Smokes HERE

I recommend that your vape pen container is made of glass, since these essential oils eat up plastic.

 

(Editor’s Note: Jenna did not receive any compensation or discounts from Holi Smokes for this promotion. She just likes them.)