Talk with Tara, MFT

Tips For Surviving the Holiday Season!

PLAN ON NOT CUTTING BACK AFTER THE NEW YEAR: Anticipation of dieting can set you up for binge-type eating over the holidays.  Therefore, manage the holiday season one day at a time. If you splurge a bit at a holiday party, kick up your exercise and immediately return to your healthy habits the next day.

BE PREPARED FOR FOOD PUSHERS:  How many times do you hear these comments during the holidays?

·         "That's ALL you're going to have? I worked so hard on that dish!"
·         "You better eat this now, because it won't be here for another year."
·         "Have more, I insist."
·         "Oh nonsense! You're allowed to eat a lot today!"

Reflect on past holiday experiences and evaluate what lies ahead for you this year.  Be prepared for food pushers and practice how you will respond to them.  Feel free to respond to this post and share with others what responses have worked for you in the past.

ANTICIPATE THE FOOD: Reflect on past holiday foods that are typically available to you within your social circle. Identify your food triggers and pre-determine what you WILL and WON'T eat.  Have a plan and determine beforehand what you will do to control that trigger. 

EAT HEALTHY BEFORE YOU GO: Never go to a holiday party hungry! This is self-sabotage in the worst way. Consume a healthy snack before you go or take along your own WLS-friendly treats or drinks.

DON’T LOSE TRACK: Because the holidays involve a lot of parties, conversation, and occasional drinking, it can be very easy to get distracted by the mood and "forget" what you have consumed. Make sure to do your socializing away from the bar or buffet table.  Place all of the food you wish to consume on a plate to avoid mindless grazing.

MAKE NEW TRADITIONS:  All too often, the emphasis during the holidays is on the food rather than spending time with those we love.  Yes, many people have food traditions that make the holidays special, but this is usually only a dish or two.   So be social and focus on those around you instead of on your plate.  Share your favorite holiday memory, learn something new about someone, organize a family game, or get active and dance to festive music!

GIVE THANKS! Instead of mourning the loss of your favorite holiday treats, focus on the fact that you're feeling so much healthier, your clothes are getting baggier, and you're doing things that you would have never dreamed of doing this time last year.   

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! I would love to hear what YOU are thankful for, so please feel free to share! 


Tara Griffith, MA, MFT
Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco
WLS Support Services

*DISCLAIMER* The information provided within this forum is intended for GENERAL EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.  Answers, comments, and opinions provided are not intended to substitute for informed professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, or other professional advice.  As this is an open forum on the Internet, your questions and answers will be seen by others. It is possible that an unqualified individual may post a reply to questions. Always seek the advice of your personal physician or other qualified health provider for any questions you may have regarding any specific medical condition or mental health issue.   Information provided in this forum DOES NOT constitute a therapist-patient relationship between you and Tara Griffith, MFT.