Holidays Vs. Weight Issues

With the holidays upon us and over a month long of celebrations, all of us with weight issues are on our toes trying to figure out, now what? How do I get through the holiday season without gaining weight? How do I enjoy the gatherings, my family, and the food without the burden of guilt?

I know how it is. We torture ourselves for days and weeks in anticipation of what we are going to do to ourselves and the disappointment we will ultimately feel… Badgering our psyche to one degree or another. It isn't easy or pleasant. We aren't even very nice to ourselves when it comes to dealing with these struggles.

So, is there a way to enjoy the parties AND be at peace with ourselves?

Absolutely!

As a life coach with over a decade of experience working with clients with weight and body image issues and as someone who herself has struggled with these same problems but ultimately lost 85 pounds, I can tell you it is definitely possible. We have the power to turn the holiday struggle around, face it head on, and come out with a smile on our face.

The answer- Be R.E.A.L.

R.ecognize the reality of the situation.

E.valuate your choices.

A.ccept responsibility for your intentions and goals.

L.et it be.

Sounds interesting, but how does it work? The best way I can explain the technique is by using myself as an example. This is an emotionally intelligent tool I use to teach my coaching clients how to handle the holidays and how you too can go from dreading them to looking forward to everything they offer.

Step 1 Recognize the reality of the situation.

Don't hide from the facts. Be realistic. What are the holidays really like for you? What are the actual struggles?

I know that the amount and variety of food available is extremely tempting.

I know I will want to eat more than I normally do.

I know that I do not enjoy myself when I criticize every morsel I eat.

I know I will regret it if I eat too much.

I know I will hate myself if I gain weight.

I know I want to enjoy myself and my family and not worry about weight issues.

Step 2 Evaluate your choices.

Given that everything you have listed is true for you, what can you do? What is in your control? The answer is in our choices. CHOOSE whatever will bring you peaceful results.

I choose to exercise a little harder on the day of the party and the day after a celebration.

I choose to let go of the strictness of my diet for one meal and allow myself to enjoy a bit more food.

I choose to drink more water to aid my digestion and rehydrate my body from the extra exercise.

I choose to eat only one serving of what I want.

I choose to eat a small piece of dessert.

I choose to eat slowly and enjoy my food knowing it is just for this day.

I choose to take a walk on these days to help the digestion and metabolism from the extra food.

I choose to not criticize myself and my food desire.

I choose to enjoy my family and friends and not obsess about my caloric intake.

Step 3 Accept responsibility for your choices.

When the time comes, be responsible and accountable to yourself. Accepting the choices you have decided will make you happy and help you follow through. Know that you are worth the effort and that you have planned accordingly. Stick to your plan remembering it is based on well thought out decisions.

I know that I feel good about myself and what I have done if I stick to my goals. This drives me and helps motivate me to stay on course. I know that what I have set forth is very realistic and is acceptable. I have thought it through and now it is just a matter of making the choices. I feel in control of the situation and am glad I can rely on myself.

Step 4 Let it be.

There's nothing left at this point but to enjoy yourself. Be in the present moment and allow yourself the pleasure of the holiday. Savor the people, the food, and the feeling of gratitude.

I know that I have done what I can to make it the best holiday I can. I have seen things for what they are, I have decided what it is I can live with, how it is I am going to make it happen, and I am at peace.

So, Friends, sit down and go through this exercise. It will keep you on your weight loss track. Experience what a difference it makes to live life fully aware of the circumstances and choosing wisely. You will not only enjoy yourself more intensely you will be proud of yourself for taking care of you.

Have a wonderful Holiday Season!!!