9 Tips For Controlling Holiday Binge Eating

This year, take the edge off. We’ll show you how. Not only will you better master those buffets, you’ll end up much happier the following morning – and all through the holiday season.
Here are nine tips for holiday-stress-busting success:

1

Controlling Holiday Binge Eating | Stay In Shape Emotionally

We talk a lot at Pritikin about staying in shape physically. During the holidays, it’s especially critical to keep yourself in good emotional shape, too. All the extra activity – decorating, shopping, card writing – can take its toll, leaving you exhausted, which increases stress, creating a vicious cycle.

Ward off stress and fatigue by 1) getting a good night’s sleep, and 2) sticking to your exercise routine. Get in at least 30 minutes of fitness each day – even if it’s broken up into 10-minute increments. When out shopping, for example, do a few “laps” before starting to make your purchases. (In your walk, you may even spot better deals.)

Regular exercise and plenty of sleep can improve not only your energy but your mood.

2

Take Time Outs

Carve out at least 15 minutes every day just for you. Take a walk after dinner and enjoy the winter stars. Book 15-minute chair massages for your back, neck, and shoulders. Or just shut the door to your bedroom or office, turn on soothing music, breath deeply, and restore your inner calm. You’ll emerge refreshed enough to handle the challenges of your Yuletide days.

3

Cut Back On the Booze

We all know family tensions can rear up over the holidays, and one drink too many can take some of us places we really don’t want to go.  So keep a close eye on your alcohol intake.  Drinking less also means you’re less likely to go overboard on the bacon-wrapped smokies and fruitcake.

4

Don’t Have a Free Hand

To ward off those bacon-wrapped smokies coming your way on a silver platter, have in hand a dish you’ve already filled up with cut veggies and other healthy fare from the buffet table.

If there’s an appetizer you’re dying to have, have one… one.  Then tell the server, “That’s it. Please avoid me from here on out.”

5

Have a Game Plan Before You Arrive At Holiday Parties

Call your host and ask, “What are you serving?” Then, map out your entire culinary game plan – from appetizers to desserts. It’s far better to make these decisions at home, when you’re calm and rationale and not experiencing the stress of unhealthy temptations.

Prep yourself with positive self-talk, such as:

• “This could be a tough situation, but I have a plan and I can handle it.”
• “I’m going to the party to celebrate the holidays with friends and family, and this, not food, is the reason for this party.”
• “I may be tempted, but that’s natural. I’ll just practice some relaxing breaths, surround myself with good company and laughter, and wait for the urge to pass (because it will pass).”

Before leaving for the party, make yourself a healthy, filling snack, like nonfat yogurt and a banana, or a bowl of hearty soup. It’ll curb your appetite, which means you’re less prone to plow your way through the buffet table.

6

Keep Up Your Inner Pep Talk At the Party

There’s no better way to increase your feelings of confidence and control. Tell yourself:

• “I can handle this. I have a plan, and I’m in control.”
• “I’m here to celebrate a special occasion, not a special binge. I’m going to find a really good friend – someone who always makes me laugh. That’s far more fun than eating a cheese cube.”
• “I’ll enjoy everything else, too – the music, the decorations, the hugs, and all the kids and grandkids. If I binge at the buffet and start feeling stuffed and lethargic, I’ll miss out on all these amazing moments.”

If there are infants in the room, offer to hold them. It’s hard to go back for seconds when you’re cuddling a baby. (Plus, the cuddling is much more fun than the extra food you didn’t really need or want.)

Or get out on the dance floor. You’re burning calories and staying away from the food. A win win!

If you need to, escape for a mini-relaxation. Find an empty room, sit down, close your eyes, and take 10 deep long diaphragmatic (from the belly) breaths. This brief relaxation builds in a pause. A pause gives you time to take charge. Remember, urges will pass.

7

Cope With Feelings Of Being Overwhelmed

If you start to lose control:

Have a back-up plan. For example, if you find that your eating is out of control during the cocktail hour, promise to eat low-calorie-dense selections at dinner, like big green salads and roasted vegetables.

Stay focused on the present. Don’t “fortune-tell” (Don’t tell yourself, “I’ll never get back on track with my eating plan.”) Of course you will. Tomorrow is a new day.

See strong temptations as a signal to problem-solve. If you see your favorite fatty hors d’oeuvres at the buffet table, plant yourself far, far away from the table.  Look for someone you’d like to talk to who’s on the other side of the room. Or head for the bar for another soda and lemon, or a tangy Virgin Mary. You can also silently review your reasons for eating healthfully (e.g., “I really want to keep my diabetes under control”).

8

Evaluate

As soon as you have time, review the evening.

Think about what you learned that can help you do better next time.

Recognize even small successes. Perhaps you had dessert, but only tasted a few bites. That’s terrific! Praise yourself for trying. Be proud that you’re conscious of your eating behavior, and working on improving it.

If you had a rough time, forgive yourself. Use positive, rational self-talk such as:

• “It didn’t work. That’s okay. I’ll get better.”
• “What did I learn? I can use that to make progress and problem solve.”
• “Great. I got through it. I wanted three slices of cheesecake, but I ate just one. Next time, I’ll do even better.”

And if you scored a home run, enjoy it!

• “I handled it well.”
• “Wait till I tell my best friends and family.”

9

Reshape Your Mind, And Your Eating Behavior Will Follow

Always remember that everything begins in the mind. Planning and rehearsing your behavior for challenging events is a sure way to increase your feelings of control and calm.

And the end result isn’t just a thinner you; it’s a happier you. Yes, a holiday season that really is filled with peace and joy!

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