Sunday, November 7, 2010

Holiday Eating

Today is November 7th. I survived Halloween and a minor incident with some evil candy corn, but the holiday season with all its social eating challenges looms on my horizon. Last year I had just started a new retail job, had little fill in my band, was struggling with untreated and undiagnosed fibromyalgia pain, lost my mother, and lost control of my eating during the holiday season. I responded to my unpredictable work schedule and my physical and emotional pain by using my old friend, Food. So I hurtled through potluck meals at work and church, and eating on the run, with my mouth open, cramming everything and anything I could grab into it. I couldn't seem to get or stay organized well enough to come up with an eating plan and stick with it, but planning is the #1 tool that helps me in social eating situations.

Thank goodness, I'm facing the 2010 holiday season with a well-filled band, medical issues under control, emotional issues that aren't as overwhelming, and greater mastery of my retail job now that in 2009. Here's my plan for the coming months:

1. I will not let myself get too hungry, especially before social events.
2. I will bring something healthy that I can eat to every potluck meal.
3. I will keep a supply of protein bars in my purse and my locker at work.
4. I will plan each day's meals in advance, commit them to my accountability partner every day,
and report to her the next day how that day's eating went.

3 comments:

Gina said...

My plan for the Holiday is to join Weight Watchers. I need that weekly weigh in and support. Hope to gain only fond memories of this holiday season.

Saoirse said...

I hadn't had encounters with social eating until recently, and noticed I was not out of control BUT slacked off on following the "rules of the tool" and thus noticed a 1-2 pound gain.

Jean's plan is helpful for me to read. I just started to meal plan for the day (instead of just grabbing from the frig whatever was available and looked good). I don't have a regular schedule and am often away from home at "meal time," so am planning how to keep food in a thermal cooler in the car.

my modifications:
1. keep to my meal schedule (4 ounces every 3 hours)
2. email Karen about her potluck recipe, so I can be prepared for the future
3. put a protein bar in my bag every morning
4. plan the day's meals in advance, taking into account the day's calendar
5. find a portable, insulated, small lunch box

Brenda C said...

Jean:

This is exactly what I needed to read. I haven't been on in awhile. I found my old friend a few months ago and that nasty friend hasn't left my side since. I got back on OH and have been reading. It is where I learned the rules, had the support, and lost over l00 lbs. Thank you for your constant selfless effort to be the support we all needed and still need. I need that reinforcement. You are the best!