Holiday feasts challenging for some

By The Malibu Times · Wed Nov 22 2000

This Thursday many of us will be sitting down at a Thanksgiving table filled with candied yams, stuffing, rich desserts and many diet busting temptations. For many, the choice is between unhappy abstinence or gluttony, followed by large amounts of guilt. It doesn't have to be that way.

We talked to Melanie Dingle, an at-home-but-not-alone (on the phone) coach for Lindora Corporation clinics, which serves overweight people through weight management programs.

"For most people the holidays are a mixture of joyful anticipation and stressful emotions that can trigger cravings," said Dingle.

For people who have a weight problem, the holidays can be a particularly difficult time because they not only bring families together, but there's also a lot of food on the table.

As a result, most people assume that with the season they will gain weight. But this does not have to happen. There are ways to manage cravings if people prepare ahead of time, said Dingle.

A primary strategy is to keep control of the situation.

"Don't let the situation control you," explained the coach, as she emphasized that planning ahead and remembering how to react is a choice we can all make.

Other ways to alleviate cravings include getting enough rest, using gentle exercise and relaxation technique to control stress.

"We can all make a decision to become lean for life and do the holidays differently," said Dingle. "Knowing that we can do this will help us plan to be successful."

Dingle suggests the following success strategies:

• Aside from controlling the situation through planning, get enough rest. Lack of sleep increases stress, and both stress and tiredness can trigger cravings.

• Additionally, exercise can help foster positive self-image, controls hunger and alleviates stress.

• Plan special treats for yourself, don't eat food as a reward. Instead use bubble baths, exercise and other things you like to do as an alternative to foods.

• Take things one day at a time and give leftovers.

• If you are the host, chew sugarless gum to prevent nibbling while preparing the meal and eat high protein snacks.

• If you are visiting, its good to practice ahead of time, saying "everything was delicious, thanks, but I can't take anymore."

• Always have a plan of action increases the success rate. It goes along with eating three meals a day, having proper snacks, and not letting yourself getting too hungry.

• If the Thanksgiving meal or Christmas dinner is late in the day, don't skip meals before arriving at a party.

• Visualize yourself the way you want to be when the holiday season turns into the New Year.

Additionally, "Doing something nice for someone else can go a long way," said Dingle.