Taking Control During the Holidays

Last weekend I had an at-home dinner with girlfriends that always provide excellent company. The hostess is a dynamic and wonderful chef who loves to create delectable cuisine and serve you. Everything was delicious, as expected, but as I think about my experience in that setting and how most folks will sit down next week for Thanksgiving with a similar setting, I felt the need to chat about it.

During our dinner, we had wonderful conversation and how I felt after the meal was important to discuss. I was very full and slightly miserable because I know I overate. This is very common for people when they dine out or during upcoming holiday gatherings and dinners for Thanksgiving and through the New Year. I found myself talking, drinking, eating and talking then sipping and picking. I call this mindless consumption. All courses were served, so I did not control my portions. Although I left food on my plate (which was ingrained in me as sacrilegious), I still ate more than I should because I do not like to waste food (especially during these times).

As you sit down to eat during the holidays, it will bring feelings of joy to be with family and friends, but it can also bring anxiety. This is because you may be surrounded by unhealthy food choices and you fear you will indulge and overeat. This is very common for those that are currently trying to lose weight and have the goal in the back of their mind that they need to start after the holidays. If you are trying to lose weight, you want to start by adopting the following habits TODAY. You can avoid letting your fears turn in self-fulfilling prophecies.

• Before going to parties or large sit down meals, drink at least 16 ounces of water. This will fill you and your desire to eat as much will be reduced.
• Watch your food portions during these events. If someone offers to serve your food, politely decline. They probably will not have an idea that you want to lose weight and will not be mindful for you. YOU have to take charge of your weight loss, starting with smaller portions. If you cannot serve yourself, do not feel obligated to eat everything on your plate.
• If you are at a party and they have large and small plates, use the smaller plate.
• When you are done with your food, put your napkin in the plate or remove the plate, so that you will not feel the urge to eat more than you need to.
• If there are multiple desserts, choose one. You should have a serving that allows a taste but not consumption of too much. Remember to serve yourself rather than letting someone serve you, if possible.
• Finally, instead of lounging and letting the food sit while digesting, it would be optimal to let it digest with a nice 15 minute walk with your family or friends. Every person's setting will vary, but it would be something to consider to get your body moving.
  

The bottom line is that you have to control you, as no one else will. You will probably go to dinners and holiday gatherings for the rest of your life faced with the same temptations. Do you hide from them? No, you face them and succeed. Don't wait to start after this New Year. Start your journey to a healthier you today!