Diet Mistakes During the Holidays: The Big Three

First, keep in mind that the holidays are the season of plenty, and there will be plenty of food around. That said, keep in mind that you don't have to eat it all in one day. Tomorrow there will be another opportunity to sample goodies.

Here are the Big Three Mistakes you should avoid making:

#1 Emotional eating.
"Tis the season to be joyful, but we all know happiness is not the only feeling around at Christmas. Loneliness, sadness, tension, boredom...hey, you will probably experience these are more. Before you dive into a bowl of mixed nuts, try connecting with a friend, or taking a walk. Experience feelings - don't eat them.
#2 Getting nostalgic about favorite foods.
Cheese balls and pepperoni dip might have been your all time favorites as a teenager - but guess what? You're 50 years old now. Our responsibilities change in life. Sometimes it is time to move on, and say good-bye to habits that no longer serve us.
#3 Succumbing to peer pressure. Everyone else is eating deep fried chicken wings - why not you? Well, because you're not everyone else. And if you care about your health, then you may find yourself at the leader of the pack - the healthy pack. What a great way to start the New Year!

"Down in the dumps" Holiday eating

Find yourself reaching for some chocolate or chips when you're feeling blue? "Curing" negative moods with food is a habit pattern that develops over time. We tend to eat foods that give us immediate pleasure. Sweets. High fat and salty combos. Really good tasting foods, that our brain remembers and associates with pleasure. And so we do it again. And again.

Next time you find yourself looking for a "treat", try this exercise instead: 1) Be still. 2) Imagine someone or something very pleasurable. A lounge chair on a sunny deck. Or a glass of wine shared with a good friend. A special person. 3) Now take a deep breath, and then make a decision about whether you really need to eat. Or have you "fixed" your mood with imagery?

Try it. Imagine how much healthier you will become.

Tip of the day

5 Holiday Diet Survival Tips


*
Focus on people, not food: Social gatherings are events where people get together and food just happens to be present, not the other way around. Be a social butterfly, a great way to have fun without calories.

*
Avoid random raids off the buffet table: This goes back to planning. Set a limit as to the number of passes you make through the goodies. More than 3 visits – you’re out!

*
Think “healthy” holidays are “happy” holidays: make a point of choosing low fat Hors d’oeuvres; cold shrimp with cocktail sauce, fruit and vegetables that can fill you up, not out.

*
Recognize “the danger zone”: It’s good to eat in response to hunger, but arriving at a party as hungry as a lion is going to make your appetite roar once you see the party food. Have a low fat snack of lean meat or cottage cheese or nonfat yogurt before you go.
Healthy living is the best holiday gift you can give yourself.

Contact Marquette General Weight Management and make an appointment today! 225-6955