The holidays are a time filled with merriment and joy, but it is also a time filled with food temptation, food pushers, and stress. Though it can be challenging, you can not only survive, but thrive during the holiday season. With the right mental preparation and guidance from Dr. Kim Feinstein, Psy.D., Behavioral Weight Loss Specialist, you’ll be able to arm yourself with the tool kit you need to succeed.
Develop a Positive Eating Attitude
If you’re planning to overeat or allowing yourself to indulge because it is the holiday season, you’re already setting yourself up for failure. Instead, repeat these positive mantras to overturn a negative eating attitude:
- “I expect to maintain (or lose) weight during the holiday season!”
- “I will not over indulge just because it’s expected or acceptable. I will focus on friends and family instead of food.”
- “I am capable of following my RM3® meal plan this holiday season.”
Visualize Yourself to Success
“If my mind can conceive it and my heart can believe it — then I can achieve it,” said the famous athlete Muhammad Ali, whose words hold true. Different types of visualization can help you reach your weight loss goals and get you through the holidays, but our two favorites are:
- Outcome visualization: This is when you imagine your end goal. For example, you see yourself saying “no” to temptation at your family holiday dinner and successfully stepping on the scale, maintaining your weight the next day.
- Process visualization: Imagine each step of your journey and what is required to reach your goal. For example, you side step dessert at a holiday party, prepare RM-approved recipes, and achieve weight loss maintenance at the end of the holiday season.
Prepare & Practice “No, Thank You”
It’s no secret that many loved ones like to shower us with love through food — especially during the holidays. You’ll be surrounded by temptation now, more than any other time of the year. Facing this reality is the first step; visualizing and practicing your plan is the next step. Rehearse your polite and confident way of saying “No, thank you!” in front of the mirror.
Looking for additional support during the holiday season? Schedule a video appointment with Dr. Kim Feinstein, Psy.D., RM Behavioral Weight Loss Specialist for tips to help you succeed.
Dr. Kim Feinstein, Psy. D. is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Red Mountain’s Behavioral Weight Loss Specialist. She specializes in weight management, body image concerns, and eating disorders. She prides herself in her ability to educate, guide, and inspire patients to overcome obstacles and ultimately achieve their goals.
