Holiday Eating Habits - Take Control

Written by Mariscela Alvarez

Wednesday, 12 December 2007

How to take control of your eating habits during the holidays with 11 easy strategies Some of us have been experiencing holiday “food indulgence”.  It all started on Halloween, then Thanksgiving and now Christmas. Many people tend to make food the center of attention during social events and what better opportunity than the holidays? It is said we gain an average of 8 pounds during this time. How about taking a proactive approach to minimizing weight gain?   As a Certified Hypnotherapist, I have found simple strategies can help control over-eating habits.  It is easy and natural.   Here are 11 simple yet effective strategies to promote healthy eating habits: 1.  Take deep breaths throughout the day. Deep breathing sends more oxygen to our brain allowing our mind and body to relax. With a relaxed mind, we can think clearly about eating healthy foods in healthy portions. Deep breaths cause our body to raise its metabolism.  A pound a week can be lost this way.   2.  Drink plenty of water.  Frequently our body is thirsty but we confuse this with being hungry. As you drink, imagine your body being cleansed from toxins and fat. Add some lemon to your water. 3.  Rest your body and mind. Sleep ensures good metabolism.  Dieters should get 9 hours of sleep per night.  You can gain daily relaxation by listening to a relaxation CD for 15 minutes (check out some CDs at www.fyspirit.com) which is equal to an hour of deep, restful sleep. Have a relaxed attitude about food. 4.  Be grateful.  When you focus your mind on the best, you attract and receive more of it.  Remember all the good things in your life; train your mind to be in a positive state. Focus on strengthening your control over food. 5.  Create a positive image.  Imagine yourself at your ideal weight.  Have a clear picture of the body you want in your mind’s eye. See yourself eating healthy, feeling full and satisfied with small portions.  Dwell on feelings of accomplishment, happiness and self confidence.  This helps you gain control over your eating habits. 6.  Eat a healthy snack at home before visiting family and friends.  This will prevent you from arriving hungry and over eating high calorie foods. 7.  Bring your own dish. Cook something healthy to share with others. You know you can safely eat what you have prepared and only eat a small portion of food prepared by others. 8.  Welcome small portions.  If you go to a restaurant, ask for a container to be brought with your food. Store half of the food and eat only what is on your plate. Consider splitting servings with your partner or friend.  At home or while visiting, serve yourself small portions.  In this way, you are retraining your mind to eat only what you have in front of you.   9.  Eat and chew slowly, if possible in a quiet place.  Focus your mind on enjoying your food. If you are talking or watching TV, your mind is occupied with activities other than food.  Be consciously present while you eat. 10.  Use self-hypnosis. As you go to sleep, suggest to yourself to only eat healthy foods in small portions. You will develop a desire to exercise and to drink more water and you will indulge your mind with positive attitudes about food. Be consistent in using these daily suggestions to create the outcome you desire. 11.  Keep your body moving and be sure to allow time to exercise.  Walk and enjoy taking deep breaths.   If you are visiting, invite your company for a walk through the neighborhood to look at the holiday decorations, or go for a hike or for a bike ride. Minimize the time you spend watching TV. We can all benefit from these strategies around food.  You deserve to enjoy the holidays with a healthy mind and body so honor yourself by eating well and encouraging others to do the same! Remember, unhealthy habits may be the result of deep emotional and mental issues stored in the subconscious mind. Eating may be your way of dealing with stress, boredom, protecting yourself from intimacy, getting rewards, or simply continuing with family rituals and ways of expressing love.   ### Mariscela Alvarez is a Certified Hypnotherapist practicing in Auburn.  She offers private sessions, lectures, workshops, weight management programs, relaxation and self help CDs in English and Spanish. For more information, please visit: www.fyspirt.com or call (530) 863-0003 to schedule a free consultation.