Holiday Waist Management
Holiday Waist Management: It’s upon us once again. We have completed another circle and the holidays have begun! Well, based on what I’ve seen at big box stores, the holidays began at the end of August.
We are frantically running about and succumbing to the trappings of the season. Presents and cards are being purchased (yes, Melissa and I still believe in cards as well as Santa), pantries stocked, invitations sent, lighting, trees and other symbols of celebration are in position.
Holiday Waist Management: All I Want for Christmas Is Stretchy Pants!As we all know, this time of year can present challenges. They can take the form of stress, anxiety and sadness. When we experience these feelings, we tend to medicate with food and perhaps alcohol. I know I do. Fortunately, I have the alcohol under control. Sometimes I eat so much that Melissa considers putting me on display like a real life “Elf on a Shelf”… a reinforced shelf. Apologies for the visual. When it comes to holiday waste management, consider the following suggestions: |
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- Preemptive weight loss: On average, people can gain between 7 and 10 pounds during the holiday season. I try my best to lose extra weight before the holiday meals (which look like feeding time in Jurassic Park). I know I will be eating more than usual so I try to factor this in beforehand.
- Drink Water: Doing so before meal time will fill your stomach and help you eat less.
- Adjust: Consider eating less carbs during dinner to make “caloric room” for dessert. Focus more on protein and vegetables. At the very least, try reducing the portion sizes.
- Food Mindfulness: As difficult as this may be, try to see food as a source of fuel for the body (which it is) instead of something to gorge on and get sick from afterwards. Mindfulness also involves being aware of the process of eating, slowing down and chewing slowly. Focus on the texture of the food, the aroma, and really tasting it.
- The Lag Factor: It’s better to quit eating just before you begin to feel full.
- Activity: Going for a walk after dinner will help get the digestive process going. It’s much better to be upright and moving instead of sitting on the couch where the food will “pool” in your stomach.
- Reduce Leftovers: If you have lots of leftovers, consider putting together portable meals and bringing them to the homeless. You can feed others while reducing the chance of you overeating.
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Feel free to add to this list. Do what works for you, but be sure to follow through with the plan. Holiday eating can be truly satisfying – it need not come with a survival kit of antacids or trips to the bathroom because of feeling sick.
With this in mind, Melissa and I would like to extend our heartfelt wishes for a safe and pleasant holiday season. ~Ted |