Tis The Season To…Overeat!

By Lisa Morrone, PT –

November and December are the most difficult months to navigate when it comes to eating well and avoiding excess. Food treats are everywhere—in the office, at church and school functions, and let’s not forget those all holiday gatherings! Is it really possible to resist the temptation to overindulge?

I believe that much of the holiday damage (in the form of pounds gained) can be curtailed simply by employing some preparation and pre-commitment. The “commitment” portion is the pre-determined mindset in which you refuse to enter this season giving yourself “a pass”. (Oh well, I‘ll have to restart my diet in January!) Remind yourself that your health is just as important in these final two months of the year as it is in the ten months that preceded it. (Think of it as the final exam in a year-long course.) The holidays will give you the opportunity to prove to yourself that you really mean business when it comes to protecting your personal health—no matter what time of the year it is.

When faced with holiday get-togethers, a little preparation goes a long way. Never, ever, ever, show up hungry! You’re just asking for trouble if your growling stomach drowns out the doorbell when you arrive. Once you are at the party, scope out low calorie options (lean meats, vegetables) and eat a healthy portion of these first. Then treat yourself to tastes of high-caloric specialty treats—after all it is a holiday celebration! Just make sure you don’t stand next to the food table throughout the party. By moving out of arms reach of these health-sabotaging teasers, you will be more successful at controlling your holiday binging.

Tis the season to be merry, so make sure you gift yourself with healthy intentions and a few waist-protecting tactics. Then when the holidays are finished, you won’t be left with a heaping pile of guilt to wade through, and a whole bunch of pounds you need to lose.

Lisa Morrone, PT is a regular Health contributor for Living Better at 50+. A physical therapist, author, professor, and speaker, Lisa is on a mission to help people Get Healthy…for Heaven’s Sake! Visit her on the web at: www.LisaMorrone.com. Be sure to sign up to receive Lisa’s Monday Morning Health Tips, delivered right to your inbox!