Welcome to my blog!

Here I am sharing everything I have learned about navigating grief as a bereaved partner by delving deep into modern research and the ancient healing wisdom of Ayurveda. By reading my articles, I hope you will find the answer to your questions about grief and how it impacts our health in many different ways. 

My hope is that by sharing my personal experience and learnings, you will feel less exhausted, overwhelmed and confused and gain all the understanding you need to start making simple yet important changes to your daily habits that will help you regain control of your health, and therefore, reclaim your life.

Remember, you're not alone on this journey. I'm here with you every step of the way.

The holidays may be behind us, but for many, the leftovers linger - and so does the temptation to reach for them.

"Still munching through Christmas food..." "Just finishing the toffees no one wants from the Quality Street tin..." "Serious cheese envy here—how do you still have any left? I'd demolish it all within a couple of days!"

These recent messages from a bereavement support group tell a familiar story. And while many may laugh off their cravings, I can’t help wondering how many would like to understand why they simply cannot stop reaching for these foods.

Understanding why this happens can help us recognise our behaviour and take gentle steps towards regaining control over our cravings. Let’s explore what’s really going on and how we can make small changes that nourish both body and mind.

The Holiday-to-January Transition

The stark contrast between the busy, festive days of December and the quiet, often lonely days of January can feel especially hard when you’re grieving. The combination of post-holiday gloom and the emotional weight of loss creates a perfect storm for cravings. But there are also biological factors at play:

1. Blood Sugar: The Rollercoaster Effect

The festive season often disrupts eating patterns. Sugary treats, refined carbs, late nights, skipped meals, and sometimes more alcohol than usual all send our blood sugar levels on a wild ride.

This rollercoaster leaves us feeling tired, moody, and hungry for a quick fix - typically in the form of more sugar (chocolate), refined carbs (crisps), or fatty foods (cheese). These quick fixes may provide temporary relief, but they also prolong the cycle of cravings and energy crashes.

Grief often exacerbates these patterns. Emotional overwhelm can make regular meals feel like a low priority, increasing the likelihood of reaching for whatever’s quick and comforting when hunger strikes.

Blood Sugar Roller Coaster

2. Gut Health and Cravings

Holiday foods, often low in fibre and high in sugar, can upset the delicate balance of our gut microbiome. A disrupted gut influences the production of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters essential for mood regulation and motivation. When these are low, our body craves foods that provide a short-term emotional boost.

Additionally, sugar and starchy foods feed the more harmful microbes in our gut. When these ‘bad guys’ dominate, they send signals to our brain, triggering more sugar cravings to ensure their survival. Late-night snacking and irregular sleep patterns during the holidays can further diminish the beneficial bacteria we need for optimal health and emotional wellbeing.

This highlights what ancient wisdom has long recognised: health truly begins in the gut.

Gut Health and Cravings in Grief

3. Grief’s Emotional Pull Toward Comfort Foods

Grief creates a deep yearning for comfort, and food can feel like an easy way to soothe that ache - especially rich, indulgent foods like holiday leftovers. While these choices may bring short-term relief, they don’t address the deeper emotional pain that underlies the cravings.

Holiday foods also carry emotional associations with celebration and connection - something we deeply miss when grieving. Finishing a box of chocolates or the remains of a cheese board might feel like holding onto a piece of joy from the past, making it even harder to let go.

Breaking the Post-Holiday Cycle (Gently)

The goal isn’t to banish all holiday treats or impose a strict routine overnight. Instead, it’s about finding balance in ways that feel manageable and kind to yourself. Here’s how:

1. Start with Awareness

Before reaching for comfort food, pause for a moment and ask yourself:

  • What am I feeling right now?
  • Am I truly hungry, or am I seeking comfort or distraction?
  • How will I feel 30 minutes or an hour after eating this?

This isn’t about judging yourself - it’s about understanding your needs and patterns.

2. Find New Sources of Comfort

Food isn’t the only way to soothe yourself. Consider exploring other comforting activities, such as:

  • Wrapping up in a soft blanket with a book
  • Taking a warm bath with lavender oil
  • Calling a supportive friend
  • Going for a gentle walk
  • Writing in a journal
  • Making a cup of herbal tea

New Sources of Comfort

3. Nourish Your Body with Gentle Changes

Small adjustments to your diet can make a big difference:

  • Create one predictable mealtime: Start with breakfast or lunch to anchor your day.
  • Add colourful vegetables: Incorporate one new vegetable into your meals this week, such as roasted carrots, steamed broccoli, or a vibrant beetroot salad.
  • Include gut-friendly foods: Reheat that pasta, potato or rice and turn simple starch into resistant starch which feeds the ‘good guys’ and supports your gut health.

4. Good to Know Facts About Cheese, Chocolate, and Crisps

  • Cheese: Contains a substance that can make it addictive! If you enjoy cheese, try to have it before 5 pm, as modern cow's milk is harder to digest, and your digestive strength wanes as the sun sets.
  • Chocolate: Craving chocolate may indicate a magnesium deficiency. Opt for high-quality chocolate with over 75% cacao for a healthier indulgence.
  • Crisps: Surprisingly, some crisps contain added sugar! Consider swapping them for a homemade alternative, like kale crisps. Here's an easy recipe:

Kale Crisp Recipe

What About These Holiday Leftovers?

You don’t have to finish food just because it’s there. You’re not a human disposal system for leftover treats! Instead, consider:

  • Freezing items for later use
  • Sharing with friends or neighbours
  • Letting go of foods that don’t serve your long-term wellbeing

Your health and emotional balance matter more than empty calories!

Moving Forward

Finding your rhythm after the holidays takes time, especially when you’re grieving. Every small step you take toward nourishing your body and mind is a step towards greater balance and resilience.

If you’re looking for more support:

  • Download my free guide: 3 Simple Self-Care Practices to Support You Through Challenging Times 
  • Join my webinar on February 13th: Food For Throught and Healing: The Mind-Body Connection in Grief 
  • Explore my 52 Gentle Habits series: Funded by the National Lottery until March 31st 

Remember, this time of year is challenging for many of us. But by understanding why we crave certain foods and making small, mindful changes, we can find comfort that truly nourishes our body, mind, and spirit.