Enjoying the Holidays Without Overeating

When I was younger, Christmas at my parents' house meant one big thing: my mom's homemade cookies. We loved to call them "addiction cookies" because once you started eating them, it was hard to stop!

As soon as they came out of the oven, warm and gooey with melted chocolate chips, I felt like I couldn't resist them. I'd eat one, then another, and before I knew it, I was so full that my tummy hurt.

But over the years, I learned how to be around those yummy cookies without eating too many. I want to share some tips with you so you can enjoy the holidays without overeating, too!

The Holiday Excitement

The holiday season is here, and it's a time filled with joy and fun. But it's also a time when there's a lot of food around. Big meals, tasty treats, and lots of desserts can make it hard to stick to healthy eating.

If you're trying to stay healthy or not gain extra weight during the holidays, getting ready is super important.

Get Ready Like a Star Performer

Imagine you're about to sing in front of a big crowd or give a speech at school. You wouldn't just walk up on stage without practicing, right? You would prepare by learning your lines, practicing your song, and making sure everything is just right.

Thinking about holiday meals is kind of the same. Instead of just showing up and eating everything in sight, you can plan ahead.

Your Brain Can Trick You

Sometimes, our brains can make us want things that aren't the best for us. You might see a big slice of pie and think, "It's the holidays; I should have it!" But if you eat too much, you might not feel so good later.

Before you go to a holiday meal, take a moment to think and plan.

Picture the Food: Think about what foods might be there. Will there be mashed potatoes, gravy, or those special cookies?

Decide What You'll Eat: Maybe you can choose to have a small amount of your favorite foods instead of big portions.

Think About Challenges: What if someone insists you try their dish? How will you say no politely?

Plan What to Say: You can have a kind reply ready, like "Everything looks so good! I'll try a little bit of each."

It's Okay Not to Be Perfect

Remember, you don't have to eat perfectly all the time. It's okay to enjoy some treats. If you eat more than you planned, don't be hard on yourself.

Instead, think about it like a learning experience.

Think About What Happened: What did you want to do? What did you actually do?

Learn From It: Why did you eat more? Were you really hungry, or was it because the food looked good?

Plan for Next Time: Maybe eat a healthy snack before the meal so you're not too hungry.

Find Fun in Other Things

The holidays aren't just about food. They're also about spending time with family and friends, playing games, and making memories.

Talk to People: Have fun conversations with relatives and friends you don't see often.

Start New Traditions: Suggest playing a game after dinner, going for a walk, or making holiday crafts together.

Enjoy the Moment: Pay attention to the sights, sounds, and smells around you. Maybe there's pretty decorations or joyful music.

Write Down Your Thoughts

Keeping a journal can help you understand your feelings and actions. You can write about how you feel before and after meals. This can help you see patterns and make better choices.

You Can Do It!

Enjoying the holidays doesn't mean you have to eat too much. With a little planning and kindness to yourself, you can have fun and stay healthy.

Just like I learned to be around those delicious cookies without overeating, you can find a balance, too.

Remember, it's about making choices that make you feel good now and later.

So go ahead and enjoy that special dish, spend time with loved ones, and embrace all the joy the season brings.

Wishing you a happy, healthy, and wonderful holiday season!

With love,

Your Health Coach, Silke 💖

P.S. Don’t forget to share this with a friend who might need a little inspiration on their weight loss journey! 💌

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