Keeping your Diet n Track During the Holidays

I ususally focus on the thoughts, feelings, and beliefs required to lose weight. That doesn't preclude me providing some practical advice now and then. Since the holidays are one of the more difficult times, it seemed appropriate to offer a few suggestions that have (usually) guided me safely through this time of year. You will not find a collection of low-fat recipes or traditional diet tips forthwith; I leave those to others who excel in that arena. Instead, I hope these few thoughts and ideas triggers inspiration on how to help your diet survive the remainder of the year.

1) Set realistic expectations

Losing weight during December is unlike other months. That's not an excuse to consume an entire pecan pie or two pounds of Hanukkah Gelt; but don't expect to find it as easy as it is other times of the year. (Of course, I'm not sure it's ever "easy" but you get my drift, right?) Be gentle on yourself if you slip up, just don't give up.

2) Realize the holidays do not envelop every day of December

In reality, there are only about seven to ten troublesome days during November and December. Although that may be more concentrated than other periods, it still leaves a lot of time to maintain control. On a calendar, mark down the days that will be the most difficult, including travel and visitors. Once you actually see the tough times, it relieves some of the stress and allows you to plan better for those periods.

3) THINK. THINK. THINK.

Excessive eating is a habit, a pattern of activity done without thinking. To weaken a habit, one must therefore slow down and engage brain cells. How? Wait ten minutes before eating. If, at the end of that period, you still feel the urge, have ONE. Repeat the waiting cycle before getting seconds. Most people find they get busy during the delay and forget the temptation. It might not stop excesses, but delaying what you consume still helps reduce calories over the long haul.

4) Realize no one is overweight "because of the holidays"

We tend to think that we'd be thinner if it weren't for the indulgences of the holidays. Reality check: If the only time overweight people ate excessively was during holidays, we wouldn't be overweight. Assuming we indulge at every celebration (including those such as Flag Day and Admissions Day) we're still only counting about 30 days a year, less than ten percent of the time. The holidays don't throw us off; it's all that time in between holidays where we continue on our eating sprees. We say, "Well, as long as I blew it, I might as well start again when the holidays are over."

I don't mean to burst a bubble, but the holidays - at least those around this time of year - have been in existence for a few thousand years. They are not stopping anytime soon. However, with some forethought and focus, one can stop the yearly weight cycle and really have something healthy to celebrate in January.