Hey, hey STRONG friend. Good morning! Happy Tuesday! 

The holidays make people bold with your plate. Folks love to comment, push food, guilt-trip you, or police what you are eating. 

And honestly, most of it is harmless. But it can still throw you off if you do not have a game plan.

So let me help you keep your peace, enjoy your food, and protect your boundaries.

3 reminders your future self will thank you for...

One: You do not owe anyone an explanation about what or how much you eat. You can be warm, polite, and firm at the same time. A simple “No, thank you, I am full” is enough.

You do not need a long story, a reason, or a defense speech. People will adjust faster than you think when you stop over-explaining.

Two: Listening to your fullness and hunger is a skill worth protecting. 

Holidays are when people tend to throw that out the window because everyone else is eating.

Tune back into your own body. You are allowed to stop when you have had enough, even if auntie or mama insists on piling more on your plate. Honor how you want to feel later that night and tomorrow morning.

Three: Most “food pushing” comes from love or habit, not from someone trying to sabotage you. Knowing that helps you react with less stress and more confidence.

You can redirect the moment with something as simple as “It looks amazing. I’ll take some home for later.” That way, you protect your boundaries without creating tension.
 

2 nudges to keep your holidays peaceful and enjoyable...

One: If you want seconds, get seconds. Do not let anyone shame you, comment on you, or act like your plate is their business.

People love to talk, especially around food. Let their opinions live in their own head, not in your stomach. Enjoy your food guilt and shame-free!

Two: If someone keeps pushing food after you said no, remember you can set the tone. Smile and repeat yourself. You can say, “I am good for now” or “That sounds great, but I am genuinely full.”

And if needed, ask them to pack you a plate. The moment you stop trying to make everyone else comfortable with your choices, eating becomes so much easier and less stressful.

1 question for you this week...

How do you want to feel after the meal?

Make choices that feel good during the meal and after the meal. Your plate is your business. Your stomach is your business.

Take care of yourself and enjoy your holiday without guilt or pressure. You deserve a peaceful plate, STRONG friend.

, have a lovely holiday with your loved ones!

In Strength & to Your Success!

Xo

Coach Candace

P.S. Here are a few more other responses that you can use with food pushers: 

• “I am really good, I swear. If I eat more, you will have to roll me out of here.” - Friendly. Relatable. Usually ends the conversation.
• “I am full now, but save me some for later. I am pacing myself.” - Makes them feel helpful without changing your boundary.
• “I am choosing how I want to feel later, but thank you.” - Prioritizes your body and your comfort.
• “It smells amazing, but I do not want to feel stuffed. I am stopping here.” - Keeps it about you, not them.