Dieter's Digest

Thru The Holidays

This is the time of year when weight control becomes the most difficult. Our
schedules become more busy, making it harder for us to plan to eat right. We
find ourselves in more situations where the pressure from friends and family to eat is unavoidable. Also, our days and nights are filled with the
availability of a bounty of delectable treats.

But we can make it thru the holidays and remain in control, if we decide on a few rules for our eating during the holidays. Each of us can do it in a
different way, in our own way. Personally, I know I will be wanting more, different,

foods during the holiday, so I just decide to cut in half, the portion of each food I eat. I
want to try a couple different desserts at the meal, so I cut my own slice much smaller than usual. Don’t be afraid to get another plate and halve the dessert if it is already cut for you. Control is all about you controlling your intake, not letting the situation control you.

The collective mind of society believes that “food” is how we have fun, how we show love, how to enjoy life. We are trained to think this way from birth and it is tremendously hard to turn away from. But that is exactly what we must do to take control of our weight. It is a total mind game. Keep telling yourself that; “I am more

important than this
candy or pie.” “I don’t need to overeat to enjoy the company around me.” “I don’t want to eat this food that is bad for my health.” “It is the people and the holiday sprit that I love, not the food.”

Mind over matter. You can take control. Concentrate on sharing the meaning
of your holiday with those you love and remember the basics of weight control:
Put out bowls of fresh fruits, instead of bowls of candy, this year.
Serve extra fresh vegetables so you can avoid the starchy things. Trade in alcoholic beverages, for club soda with a twist of lime. Avoid the fried foods and creamy sauces.

Don’t hang out near the food. That’s how it ends up in your mouth. Take small amounts of “fun” foods. Large amounts of nutritious foods. Make the holiday fun with ice-skating, roller-skating, cross-country skiing, etc.

Remember: it is what we do and say, that makes the holiday memorable -- not the food.

Have an incredible Holiday everyone! With lots of love, laughter and
kinship. We’ll see you after the Holidays for some great New Year’s resolutions.