Halloween is almost here, followed by Thanksgiving next month and Christmas after that. While many people find joy in the holiday season, for those trying to lose weight it can be the most miserable time of the year. Is it possible to not derail your diet this time of year?
Colin Christopher, a clinical hypnotherapist certified by the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners, and author of Success Through Manipulation, says absolutely!
His 10 tips:
– Don’t skip meals this holiday season: Some people skip meals thinking they will be able to consume more goodies at Halloween, more turkey and stuffing at Thanksgiving and more of Christmas dinner. This will guarantee your failure as it leads to increased hunger, binge eating and depriving your body of necessary calories to convert to energy.
– There’s no such thing as eating healthy now to balance out bad meals later: Many people think living on salads and fruit now gives them permission to indulge in whatever they want later on. If you’re trying to lose weight and eat right, salads and fruit are a good choice, but stuffing yourself full of mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie later on will still bring plenty of negative consequences with it.
– Have a plan: Bad food choices are going to be in abundance this time of year. Have a plan in place so you don’t succumb to these negative choices. Choose healthier options, drink plenty of water which is good for you and will fill you up, and stop eating when your body feels satisfied.
– Don’t compare yourself to others: Just because Aunt Mildred shows up to Thanksgiving dinner and she’s 100 pounds heavier than you, doesn’t give you permission to go on an eating spree. Instead, compare yourself to people more fit than you or people whose body you aspire to look like. This will keep you on course.
– You are responsible: If you gain five pounds at Thanksgiving, it’s your fault. Stop blaming the holiday, the Halloween candy, the turkey or the pumpkin pie. It’s very possible to control what you eat this time of year but it’s ultimately your responsibility.
– Learn to say no: When Aunt Mildred insists that you try her world famous pecan pie, politely decline. Explain to her that you are on a diet and very serious about getting healthy. She will understand. Same goes for the kids or the neighbors with candy on Halloween.
– Exercise doesn’t give you the right to eat poorly: Many people think they can go for a long bike ride or hit the gym a few times during the holidays so they can indulge in the holiday feast. Working out and exercise is great, but it’s never a pass to load up on bad food at the holidays.
– Let your clothes be a reminder: Don’t wear something that fits loosely and hides any excess fat. Wear something that just fits your body and may not be the most flattering. Let this be a reminder when you grab for that dessert, second serving or the Halloween bowl. This is also a great way to reinforce the idea in your subconscious mind that it’s time to get healthy.
– Traveling for the holidays is no excuse: A lot of patients tell me they indulged in fast food or a bag of chips because it was the only option at the airport. When traveling, pack a healthy meal before you board your flight or hit the road this holiday season.
– Dig deep: Whether the temptation is Halloween candy, Thanksgiving pies or other holiday season food, dig deep and ask yourself how bad you want to see results. If you really commit to the process, you can lose weight and get healthy – even at the holidays. Being partially committed never works.
