Welcome to the 12 Days of Mindful Eating Series! Each week I am dropping three episodes in the month of December to help you eat mindfully and feel your best. This season is all about gratitude, love, kindness and giving – yet, we do that with the people around us, and not so much ourselves.

But when we change the way we think, we change the way we eat (because it’s not about the food)!

In this episode, I’m talking about why it’s so important to let go of control. When we try to control everything, it’s like we have such a tight grip, that all control slips through our fingers like sand (and by slipping through our fingers, I am referring to a big time binge or overeating session). 

12 Days of Mindful Eating: Lessons, Laughs, and Letting Go

The holidays might be over, but the lessons from Kelly Lyons’ “12 Days of Mindful Eating” series are here to stay. Packed with wisdom, humor, and a dash of Virgo perfectionism, these episodes take us on a journey to redefine our relationship with food, control, and ultimately ourselves.

1. Know Your Worth (Even When the Scale Disagrees)

Let’s be real: if you’re basing your self-worth on what the scale says, you’re setting yourself up for failure faster than a “diet starts Monday” plan. Kelly reminds us to recognize our value beyond numbers and calories—because you’re worth way more than your step count.

2. Comparison Is the Thief of Joy (And Your Sanity)

Ever walked into a room and immediately compared yourself to everyone there? Yeah, same. Kelly dives into how focusing on your path (instead of Karen’s keto success) is the secret sauce to a happier mindset.

3. Allow Yourself to Enjoy the Cookie

For the love of frosting, let yourself eat the cookie. Kelly explains why banning the foods you love only leads to binge sessions later. Spoiler alert: eating one doesn’t ruin your day, but guilt about it will.

4. Rest Isn’t Laziness—It’s Survival

According to Kelly, rest isn’t just productive—it’s necessary. Let go of the hustle culture guilt and remember: Netflix marathons are a form of self-care (especially when snacks are involved).

5. Virgo Energy Meets Letting Go

Calling all perfectionists, control freaks, and Virgos. Kelly hilariously recounts a family board game meltdown to illustrate the art of letting go. It’s not about winning at Monopoly—it’s about focusing on what you can control (like your attitude) and leaving the rest (like your brother-in-law’s cheating) to fate.

6. Control Freaks and Pantry Visits

Here’s a plot twist: your need for control might actually be fueling your trips to the pantry. Kelly dives into how perfectionism often leads to overeating, and why realizing what’s in your control—like setting boundaries—can be a game changer.

7. Bingeing and Boundaries

Whether it’s a nosy coworker commenting on your lunch or your kids’ chaotic dinner table antics, bingeing often stems from feeling out of control. Kelly shares practical tips on handling those triggers with grace (and maybe some sass).

8. Why Thoughts Matter More Than Diet Plans

You can have the world’s best meal plan, but if your inner dialogue sounds like Regina George on a bad day, you’re not going to succeed. Kelly emphasizes rewiring your mindset around food and self-worth for long-term success.

9. The Micromanaging Boss and the Drive-Thru Escape

We’ve all been there—stress-eating fries because of a frustrating day. Kelly reminds us we can’t control our bosses, but we can control our reactions (and maybe pack a less temptation-filled lunch).

10. Holiday Season Gratitude

This series isn’t just about food—it’s about gratitude, love, and kindness, especially towards yourself. Kelly wraps up the series by challenging us to focus on what we can control and let the rest roll off our shoulders (preferably while sipping hot cocoa).

Follow me for daily tips on Instagram! @kellylwellness

Are you ready to stop overeating and finally be in control around food? Watch my FREE training How to Stop Binge Eating (Without Cutting Out Your Favorite Foods) to learn how it’s possible!