How Do I Avoid Overeating?

With Thanksgiving just around the corner and the Christmas and Hanukkah season soon after, this is the time of year when sticking to a healthy diet can be very challenging. These tips will help you to avoid overdoing it, even in the midst of Thanksgiving leftovers, Christmas cookies and sugarcoated candies, and make sure that you enjoy all that the holiday season has to offer without your waistline having to suffer.

DON'T STARVE YOURSELF


The number-one rule to avoid holiday overeating is to make sure you eat enough. This is not the time to start restricting your calories to the point where you’re so hungry that even your great aunt’s fruitcake starts to look good.

The trick is to eat small meals or snacks frequently throughout the day. This way, you won’t ever really feel hungry, and you’ll be able to resist all those grains and high-sugar foods that will sabotage your healthy diet.

Fill up on all the nutritious foods, like healthy meat, milk, cheese, vegetables, coconut or some berries, so that you won’t feel that you’re missing out.

BUY A SPECIAL HOLIDAY OUTFIT


This tip can work for both men and women. Whether you decide to indulge in a new blouse, dress or a special shirt and tie, purchase something that you are really looking forward to wearing and that you feel good about.

When you feel good about yourself on the outside, it will help you to respect yourself from the inside and you’ll be less inclined to reach for the pumpkin pie.

GET SOME FRESH AIR


Taking a quick walk outside will not only give you a quick burst of energy, it will also take your mind off of food. By the time you come back inside, you’ll feel invigorated and your food cravings will likely be diminished.

Taking a walk after dinner is also a great idea. Moving around will help your meal to digest and reduce your chance of becoming sluggish or tired.

MAKE SOME NUTRITIOUS DISHES


With a little creativity you can create healthy holiday foods that taste great and will fit right in with the traditional fare. Some basic changes can make your holiday meals much more nutritious. Instead of potatoes and bread, have a variety of healthy vegetable side dishes. If you must have potatoes, use sweet potatoes or even mashed cauliflower. And, make sure that you choose healthy meat that is not filled with antibiotics and hormones.


DEAL WITH YOUR EMOTIONS

Many of your food cravings have nothing to do with physical cravings and are actually emotionally based. You may associate certain holiday foods with the comfort of your childhood and be tempted to overeat them to try and regain that sense of comfort. Also, the stress of the holidays may be behind your overeating.

REALIZE IT'S JUST ANOTHER MEAL


Focus on the real meaning of the holidays and you’ll quickly see that family and friends are at the center. Take advantage of this time with your loved ones, and look forward to talking and being with those who you care about, rather than focusing on food.

Your perceptions will have a great impact. If you think that you should eat a lot just because it is Thanksgiving or Christmas, then you probably will. However, if you look at it as though it is just another meal, then it will be easier to keep your eating habits under control.