"Home Stretch" of Holiday Eating
So, we're down to the final week of "holiday eating." While many are breathing a sigh of relief, others are dreading this stretch between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day. That's the topic of my TODAY segment. (Scroll down to watch the video clip.)Are you one of those people struggling to avoid falling of the diet wagon in this final week?
A little personal insight here can help avoid self-sabotage. This is a VERY common problem for all of us. Why is this happening? For many, we've been able to manage well since we spread out the season and say, "There's always the next party or next week to have some treats, so I can say no for now." Here we are, now in that last week, and the urge to splurge is overwhelming.
For others, we've been too rigid over the past few weeks, and feel terribly deprived. It's now the last week, and it's the sense of "I'd better eat now, while all this food is still around." Next week is "diet week."
Why should we pay attention now? If we just disconnect and eat without control, the imaginary goal of the "new diet date" in January becomes even harder to meet. Eating with abandon and then to great restriction is a recipe for disaster. We're not mentally connected and ready to make the consistent change in caloric restriction (mental focus, really) necessary to jump-start a weight reduction plan.
What to do? As odd as this might sound, don't try to lose weight. The best idea is to keep the pressure low, and just aim to maintain your weight and NOT GAIN. This allows you to have positive self-talk, and remain in control. Your "calorie exchanging" for foods that are worth the splurge and those you can pass on will be more effective. Be a smart eater. Indulge in moderation, and allow yourself some treats. It's the total loss of control in eating that sabotages us for the new year's resolution of weight loss.
Enjoy all the activities of the holiday—including food—but don't make eating your only priority!
