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What Makes Us Tick

Although I’m generalizing, my overall impression of weight conscious people is that many of them face life long eating behaviour challenges. Often these behaviours are due to early childhood trauma either resulting from some sort of abuse or dysfunctional family situation.

Many people tell me that they compensate through food AND through an over selflessness nature. In other words, they think about other people’s needs before their own. This behaviour is so extreme that they regularly do so at the serious detriment of their own needs.

Coping with the holidays, and in particular Christmas, can be difficult at the best of times. Trying to cope while caring for everyone around you makes it almost impossible. You may be facing the days ahead with dread not knowing how you are going to get through them. Anxiety about events associated with Christmas is often actually worse than the event itself. It’s usually a big relief when it’s all over. In the end whether it’s food or a driven need to be self-effacing, during holiday season is self destructive, harmful to yourself and those you love and will make your eating disorder worse.

Although you cannot change what makes you who you are today, you can change the way you approach each day, including the holiday season. Being prepared for the holidays is easier when you know how you wish to spend the time and can arrange it that way. Make the holiday as important as you wants it. Choose how involved you want to be and make your wishes known to others. If you plan to spend time with family and friends, choose only those you feel comfortable with. When you do take time for yourself you need to feel as relaxed as is possible.

Decide what you want to do this year. When planning how you will spend the holidays think about the traditions which are important to you. Past associations and memories will effect this decision. Ask yourself how important these are to you right now and how much time and energy you can invest in them. Decide on how much, if any, you can handle, and modify your traditions accordingly. If shopping is too difficult, try gift certificates, send flowers, catalogue order, or choose giving up gifts. Elect to do something completely different, such as volunteer or give as a family to a charity instead of giving each other gifts. Pass up writing cards, baking, trimming the tree or what ever else needs to go in order to give you back a sense of yourself.

When making plans remember to include some time for yourself. Set limits for yourself. Create a new tradition which is rewarding and has meaning for you. Hold a special ceremony, buy flowers for yourself, light a candle, or cook your favourite dish. Avoid excessive food and alcohol as this can make you feel depressed.

Above all else be good to yourself. Allow yourself time to think about the holidays and realize that it may have both happy and sad moments. Don’t set unrealistic expectations for the holiday season. That way you may find that it works out better than expected. Balance the time you spend with others with some time alone. Both are important. Solitude can refresh. It provides you with time and space to think about how well you are doing.

Staying Power Holiday Tips

• Don’t give up your regular Exercise routine. In fact increase exercise if you can, because it will help burn any extra calories you might take in. Even a simple walk around the block can help.
• Don’t skip meals. Hunger and low blood sugar lead to overeating.
• Don’t give up your favourite foods or deprive yourself completely. Moderation is the key.
• Don’t keep “trigger” foods or comfort foods around the house. If you have them, it will increases the likelihood that you will overeat.
• Plan meals each day by keeping in mind the increased demands holiday time brings to your schedule.
• Don’t go to a party starving. Before you leave home, eat something light or drink a protein shake. Also drink a great deal of water the day of the party.
• When you attend holiday festivities, don’t sit anywhere near the buffet table. Make a clear-cut decision to distance yourself from all the goodies.
• Alcoholic beverages pack on the calories so if you’re drinking alcohol, stick to light beer, spritzers or soda water.
• If you do find yourself feeling depressed, soothe your spirit with a massage, manicure, pedicure, or facial. Men might consider golf some other hobby they enjoy.
• When you shop, eat before you leave home so you won’t resort to “snack” breaks or going to the Food Fair in the Mall.
• To satisfy your sweet tooth, set limits. For example, you might allow yourself one dessert or goodie per week.
• If you tend to overeat during family gatherings, plan what and how much you will eat before you go.
• If you want to really keep yourself honest (the same size) during the holiday season wear your most form-fitting blue jeans. Another trick is to tie a string or ribbon around your waist (under your shirt) that will not budge with the bulge.
• If you are at the mercy of the dinner host, eat modest amounts of the foods offered and fill up on foods with more fibre and fewer calories. Make a small plate and skip the seconds.
• Ok …things don’t go as you hoped ? Pick yourself up and start again. Every day is a new beginning.

Enjoy the holiday season. Remember why you’re celebrating it. – not just the food!

This article  and PRINT function is sponsored by: BLAZE Websites Design