Kiss My Assets: Self-Esteem and Body Image
Holiday Survival for the Body Healthy Gal
by Dr. Robyn Silverman

How can December be so wonderful and so stressful at the same time? Holiday cheer is the air; all our favorite foods are cooking in the oven and BAM, New Year’s resolutions about dieting and losing weight creep into consciousness.

People can go a few ways on this issue.  You have the overeaters — who know they are going to put food restrictions on themselves as soon as the date says “January 1” so they binge on everything in sight to make up for it.  Then you have the guilt eaters — who feel bad about eating at all for fear that someone in the family is going to say, “now I know why she’s getting so big.”  Then you have the healthy eaters — who don’t let the time of year or family opinion dictate the food choices they make.  They don’t over do it and they don’t restrict themselves from enjoying great food.  Which one are you?

We have likely all heard about the need to be “healthy at any size”.  But since we are in a world where time whizzes by and we don’t always have the time to make the best food choices, many of us are left with food that does not nourish or satisfy.  We know what is good for us but the “good stuff” can spoil quickly and can take longer to prepare when you compare it with going to the local fast food joint.  No wonder our relationship with food can be so erratic.

It is time to take back our health.  Why wait until January 1^st to star thinking about health?  Believe it or not we can nourish our bodies and our minds and still enjoy this holiday season:

(1)     Get rid of the diets: Seriously.  Food restrictions only make us eat more and they just plain do not work.  In fact, they slow down our metabolism and make us feel more anxious and depressed.  Dieting can make us more preoccupied with food and weight loss.  Instead, embrace a steady, healthy way of eating for life.

(2)     Eat for health: Perhaps when you were younger you were told to “eat the rainbow.”  This is still true for adults today.  Eat foods that have a lot of color and vibrancy because they are rich in antioxidants and vitamins that make us look and feel younger and more energetic.  At this time of year, make sure that your meals are balanced with whole grains, lean proteins and lots of fruits and veggies so that we can keep up with the hustle and bustle.  Think about it: a fast food hamburger and French fries—what the heck color is that in the rainbow?  There is a reason we feel sluggish after we eat it!

(3)     Eat a light snack before shopping or partying: We all know that if you go shopping when you are hungry, you will make food choices that make you feel bloated and tired.  Plan to eat something satisfying and healthy before you go.  Sandwiches on whole grain bread, salads with lean proteins or fish, or even an omelet filled with your favorite veggies will give you the energy to be out all day.  In addition, this is a great thing to do before a holiday party because it puts you in control.  You get to choose the foods you eat rather than letting the circumstance dictate your diet.

(4)     Go out for a walk:  Boy, do we sit around a lot at holiday parties!  This is a great time to reconnect with your family and friends who you don’t see very often.  Why not take the conversation outside?  The fresh air and exercise will make everyone feel great.  This will burn off some stress and get you out of the house.  You can also choose to do another form of exercise, like going to the gym, roller blading or going biking—either way, it does a body good!

(5)     Savor, don’t shovel: With so many tasty options, it is easy to binge eat even when we don’t want to do it.  After all, eating can be very social.  But remember, people took a lot of time (perhaps even you!) to create these delectable dishes.  It is a compliment to the chef to take your time eating it and it certainly is healthier for the digestive tract.

(6)     Enjoy the holiday:  Don’t worry so much about what other people are thinking or doing.  Take time to enjoy the people who you are with and the experience of celebration.  Holiday times do not need to be about stress, over eating, and preparing for your New Year’s resolutions.  It can be a time to relax, laugh, and enjoy if you make it that way.

(7)     Give yourself a break:  You are not a bad person if you over eat at holiday parties.  You are still a beautiful, healthy person. Obviously, if you eat in a healthy way most of the time, take your vitamins, and exercise, one day will not undo all of that.  It takes many days of eating unhealthily to put a person on an unhealthy path.  So give yourself a break—and if you overindulge at the holiday party, get up the next day and resume your typical healthy eating and exercise plan.

 Enjoy your family and friends this holiday season, but most of all, enjoy yourself! 

 Have a wonderful holiday and a happy, healthy New Year!

Additional Resources:

• Women’s Health
• Size Acceptance

Dr. Robyn Silverman is looking for preteens and teens to interview for her upcoming book! Please contact her if you are interested in participating!!!! Dr. Robyn is a success coach and body image expert who can help you to achieve your goals at any age. 

For more information, go to http://www.DrRobynSilverman.com or email her at DrRobyn@PowerfulWordsOnline.com. To share your thoughts about this column or to help Dr. Robyn with her research, join her blog at: http://kiss-my-assets.blogspot.com/

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