02/12/2023
I lost a lot of weight in 2021.
It was actually quite easy but it hadn't always been the case. I had spent many years trying but never managed to get it off or keep it off.
I always loved Christmas but also remember the thought of all the food dominating my thoughts, either looking forward to it or feeling terribly guilty after overindulging. I also used to resent going to my parents as they would have all of this food and of course I just had to eat it!
But now almost 4 years later I really enjoy Christmas and the food anxiety simply isn't there. So I thought I'd share my top tips for avoiding Christmas weight gain or anxiety about it ......without dieting, being miserable or FOMO.
1. CHOOSE YOUR CELEBRATION WINDOW - I usually choose upto 3 days that I will 'participate' in food celebrations where I will eat exactly what I like. For me these are Christmas Eve evening, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and maybe New Years Day - but choose your own days.
2. NO CHOCOLATES/SWEETS/MINCE PIES BEFORE THE BIG DAYS - shops started to stock fresh baked mince pies from October!!! Imagine eating them since then?? The food industry wants us to celebate christmas earlier so we will eat more,for longer and create more profit for them. Avoid any christmas food type eating in the run up to Christmas itself. This early and regular consumption is just chemically and psychologically conditioning your mind and body to keep consuming this type of food.
3. PLAN INTENTIONAL SMALL TREASURES - Last weekend I went away and had an amazing time. One of higlhights was sipping a warm mulled wine walking around the pretty cobbled streets of Windsor - yes its sugary and alcoholic BUT it was intentional and it stopped at that -it didn't lead to more food or drinks. So plan some small things you can savour and really enjoy - you can even make them self care moments and start to enjoy the experience free from guilt.
4. CREATE NON FOOD WAYS TO CELEBRATE - in the run up to the big day I like to plan 'Christmassy' things to do with my family that don't necessarily involve food. Go to winter fairs, ice rinks, shopping days and enjoy the 'experience' itself with family - a big hot dog and toasted marhsmallows don't take it to another level, don't fall for your own scam - the experience is great just as it is.
5. EAT WHAT/WHEN YOU LIKE ON CELEBRATION DAYS - so generally I will start the day with chocolate but I'm just a big kid, but really just eat what you like and enjoy it. Experience the feeling of eating joyfully, free from any guilt or anxiety. Just listen to your body and avoid overeating if you can but also don't worry if you do.
My final tip is avoid giving yourself a licence to eat anything whenever because you will diet in the New Year - this just ramps up 'Last Supper' type eating and puts pressure on you at the start of the year.
If you do this, you'll be on the start of your journey to making peace with food.
