Overeating and the Holidays
By Janin Hendry
Holidays can mean fun, friends, and food. Some of the best treats start appearing at the end of October. Plenty of treats from the office cookies to the Christmas turkey will be parked under your nose this coming season. Overeating, or mindless eating, is not uncommon because it is there in front of you. You need to be mindful of what you choose to eat and how much.
How Can You Prevent Yourself From Overeating?
Not all techniques will work for all people, but there are several things you can do, from avoiding the office cookies to preventing a stupor after eating too much turkey.
- Use a napkin for snacks - Snacks are all over the office and the family home during the holidays. If you must indulge yourself, use a napkin, and only take a little. The napkin is small to fill and can easily be thrown away afterward. You will not need to keep eating if you limit yourself to the disposable napkin.
- Smile and take one - Sometimes, you cannot avoid eating the office treats. It is almost mandatory to support other office staff's attempts at baking for the office party. Take one thing only, and thank your host with a smile on your face. Eat it slowly, so everyone can see you with it and pass up everything else. There will be plenty of goodies to enjoy later.
- Choose non-alcoholic beverages - Families can be seriously stressful, and the office party can mean social obligations that can put pressure on you. If you must join the party, choose the non-alcoholic beverage to remain in control of your eating and the party. Alcohol lowers inhibitions and makes it easy to overeat; coffee, tea, water, and juice are good choices that will give you fewer calories.
- Exercise before you eat - You do not need to go jogging before dinner, but taking your kids, grandkids, or cousins ice skating can be a healthy way to work up an appetite without giving you a reason to reach for unhealthy snacks.
Fighting the Urge to Eat
Eating is part of human nature. It not only keeps us alive, but it is a key way we celebrate the season. There are multiple things for you to do to stop yourself from diving into every treat that passes by your nose.
- Don't be idle - Bored eating is common during the holidays. You are suddenly away from work and have plenty of time to yourself. Before you start snacking in front of the television, find chores, projects, and hobbies to keep you busy. Most homes become filled with treats, and being around them all the time will lead you into temptation. Start that room makeover project, clean the garage, or over-decorate your yard for the holidays to stay away from the sweets.
- Drink water - If you must be consuming something, drink water. Water is a fluid your body can never get enough of and will not pack on the pounds like other beverages.
- Play with the kids - Children can keep you feeling young and healthy. They can also keep you away from the treats. Whether you are sledding, building snow people, or taking them out in the yard to kick a soccer ball, children can keep you moving and away from the treats.
The holidays can be a stressful time, but there is no reason you cannot be in control of them. Plan family outings and games to make your time special and get yourself closer to your New Year's resolution to lose 10 pounds.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic Clinic in Mt. Juliet, Tenn.