Holidays are typically a time when people indulge in sweets and alcohol more than usual. Temptation to eat high-calorie, fattening foods is everywhere, as the workplace and home are filled with baked goods and holiday goodies. Most people are busy attending holiday parties, where the tendency to overeat is even greater. Those who struggle with food addiction and overeating have an even harder time keeping their eating in check during the holidays, and weight gain is usually the norm.
So how does one avoid binge eating during the holidays?
It is important to change your holiday habits in order to avoid weight gain and binge eating this season.
Avoid Cooking While this may be the hardest habit to change, try keeping your cooking to a minimum this season. As much as you may love baking and cooking for parties, chances are you are nibbling through the process and gaining unwanted pounds. If you are used to giving baked goods as gifts, think about other homemade gifts you can give instead. Candles, soaps, crafts and other creative gifts will be just as welcomed, and far healthier, for you and your recipients.
Don’t Overschedule Party Invitations and family obligations abound during the holidays, and it’s easy to pack your calendar with far too many activities, causing stress that can lead to binge eating. When we are stretched too thin, we get tired and stressed and often turn to food for added energy. Once we start to overeat, it’s easy to slip into binge eating, especially with so many fattening foods around us.
Offer to help out at parties It’s easy to feel a little insecure at parties, and reach for extra food and alcohol to quell these feelings. Instead of hanging out by the dessert table and binge eating all night, ask the hostess if there’s anything you can do to help out. Pick up dirty dishes, put food out for guests check on the kids, etc. Whatever you can do to be helpful will keep you busy and keep your mind off of food. It will make you feel better, and you’ll be a godsend to the host.
If you don’t take steps to avoid binge eating during the holidays, you will gain unwanted pounds and miss the joy the season can bring. Make an effort to make these important changes and see how good you feel by the time the New Year arrives.
If you think you may be struggling with a binge eating disorder, don’t hesitate to call us. The Roy Nelson Method has helped many people overcome addictions of all kinds. We are here to help. Take the first step and call us today.
