The Stress that accompanies the holidays can be hard to maneuver through and as we do
we often find ourselves overeating, not maintaining our exercise regimen and subsequently gaining weight.
As we reach the season filled with holiday gatherings there are several aspects to what we face that can and will affect our eating and any other addictions that we are struggling with at the time.
We will begin with small steps to look at and address these as we process through this time of the year that can bring both great joy and much distress both physically, mentally and emotionally.
To get the most out of the process to gain success and enjoy the holidays, get your journal back out or find one to use so that you can write out and record things that you can and will try as well as working through what works best for you and making it “your” lifestyle that brings better health and emotional balance.
The only way this works is to make it “yours” and to keep trying things that you can and will do until it becomes a habit and in turn a lifestyle. Trust me, it may not be easy but it can and will get easier the longer you keep “creating” your program. As long as you don’t quit – you will make progress and eventually get to a comfort zone that is easier to maintain than you ever thought possible. I know – because I kept plugging along, went sideways a few time but can say I have stayed within my comfortable level of weight and have my “eating addiction” (and approval at all cost addiction) under control. And let me tell you – it feels awesome!
Most importantly – make it fun!!! This is not a “job” or “work” – it is a journey to feeling good about yourself and learning to love your body.
We have many memories and traditions as we come into the holiday season that generally have eating special food and meals associated with them.
➢ Our get-togethers almost always include and often revolve around eating and drinking to “celebrate”.
➢ We are a society that brings food into almost any occasion.
➢ We “reward” ourselves with a break from the everyday mundane times with things we do and eat during these special times.
➢ Family traditions seem to “require” certain dishes and drinks to complete the festivities.
➢ It’s a time when people want and need the familiar events and food to be a part of their life, as it provides comfort to remember good times and to take time to see and be with the ones we love.
We begin by looking at our traditions. How do we celebrate and approach the holidays & social events?
Example: My Mother always cooked a big dinner for special occasions. List yours as they come to mind.
What foods are associated with our special occasions or traditions?
For example, My Mother always made peanut butter fudge when we put up and decorated the Christmas tree. That’s something that still brings comfort and happy memories to me when I decorate the tree with my children and grandchildren.
Keep these open ended so you can look at what you enjoy and want to keep and what you would like to change, eliminate or start your own traditions in a different way.
Blessings as you start a “new” holiday season in your life that you get to be in control of – instead of feeling like you are being controlled.
I Can Do This Lifestyle 