By Brandi Olden RD, CD
Emotional eating is one of the number one causes of overeating during the holidays. This happens for many reasons. Some people have recently lost loved ones, and some people wish they could lose "loved" ones. For whatever the reason, emotions tend to run high this time of year. Some tips for getting by without adding on the pounds this holiday season are:
- Use the HALT method that discussed in the last alumni newsletter: Hungry, Angry/Anxious, Lonely, and Tired. This will help assess if you are hungry or if you are just emotionally eating.
- Connect with your counselor to discuss the situation and what you can do about it right now.
- Use Mindful Eating techniques at holiday meals and parties to help focus on the quality (not quantity) of the meals you are eating and help slow down your emotional appetite.
The holidays can be very tough to get through, but they can also be very exciting and happy. Please take advantage of your health benefits by connecting with your current counselor or a new counselor to discuss the strategies and tools that are available to help you get through this year without the added weight on your hips and perhaps a little less weight on your shoulders. For questions, please contact your alumni coordinator at (425) 861-4764
