Holiday Feasting

The time between Thanksgiving and New Years is not the time to worry about trying to lose weight. Most people gain a little weight over the holidays, but it’s not likely from enjoying one or two holiday meals. A feast is a special event celebrated with food. It is okay to relax and enjoy a wonderful feast on holidays. What can become a problem and lead to weight gain is eating more than usual the days between the holidays!

Avoid holiday eating triggers that can lead to emotional overeating:

Anxiety. The holidays can produce a lot of anxiety. Many people eat too much fat and sugar in response to negative emotions. Recognize when you are feeling emotional and think about what you need before self-soothing with food.

Emotional memories. Smells and tastes from holiday foods like pie and stuffing can bring back powerful warm and wonderful memories of childhood. Choose the foods you truly love and choose reasonable portions to enjoy.

Habit. See a cookie, eat a cookie. Be mindful about what you choose to enjoy as a treat and be more conscious to avoid a binge.

“After a good dinner one can forgive anybody, even one’s own relations.”   Oscar Wilde