Struggling with over eating at Xmas

[mamalula]

I am finding it really hard to deal with all the FOOD! It's everywhere and I had a bit of a melt down yesterday. I am just constantly baking and cooking for school fetes, office parties and Xmas drinks parties. It is driving me nuts coz I keep shoving food into my fat gob at every opportunity! Aaaarrhhh! We have a big New Year's Eve party coming up. The first one since kids and all my friends will look amazing and glam and I am dreading finding what to wear and being the enormous fat one! God I hate it, I am so tired of feeling like this. It is so fing BORING! Sorry rant over. Anyone else feel like this?

[TalkinPeace]

Skip breakfast : seriously.
Do not start eating until its socially necessary to do so.

Also, brush your teeth after meals as then you'll not fancy food for a couple of hours

[Quitelikely]

Go carb free. You'll drop 10lbs in no time!

[TalkinPeace]

Quitelikely
How will that fit with the OP's existing meal plans?

Carb free is depressing at the best of times.
If it means missing out on pastries, I'm not interested

[mamalula]

Skipping breakfast is a good idea! I don't need it!
Thanks

[kaykayblue]

Thing is, skipping breakfast has been proven to be really unhelpful, as you just eat more later!!

You could try baking things that you aren't overly keen on, then you'd be less inclined to eat them! Or you could have a healthy, savoury meal before baking, at which point you won't actually be hungry, and it may be easier to resist temptation.

I know on my side I don't even LIKE sweets that much, but if I am super hungry I will just scoff them anyway as my body is saying to EAT SOMETHING!!

[TalkinPeace]

kaykay
Thing is, skipping breakfast has been proven to be really unhelpful, as you just eat more later
NO
the research on healthy people who skip breakfast says nothing of the sort.

[AcrossthePond55]

I second cooking/baking things you aren't fond of. I really hate raisins & walnuts so if I have to bake I try to make things with those items in them. Keep a bottle/glass of water or cup of tea/coffee nearby when you're cooking. Take a drink when you're tempted to sample.

If going through a buffet, take a salad plate or dessert plate instead of a dinner plate, if possible. Eyeball the amount you WANT to put on your plate then deliberately take only half that amount. Then stay as far away from the buffet as possible. Keep busy, assist the hostess. If it's a sit-down meal, eat only half of the 'fattening' foods, but extra on the salad and veg. Drink lots of water, eat slowly.

Weigh yourself in the morning. Whether you've lost or gained, use that number to help you curb eating.

Eat something healthy before you go to a party with a buffet, a salad or small bowl of plain porridge. Don't arrive hungry.

As far as eating breakfast, that's individual. For me, I can skip it with no problem. A friend gets light-headed, starving, and very cranky! She finds it better to eat a little something.

This year, we've made the decision to not keep 'crap' around the house like we usually do (and then tell ourselves it's for 'guests'-HA). No dishes heaped with candy or nuts. No cakes or biscuits. We're limiting our eating to Christmas Dinner.

Remind yourself that the second helping of whatever won't taste any different or any better than the first helping you've already had, so why bother?

Above all, do congratulate yourself for controlling your eating even if it's just saying 'no' to a second biscuit, but do NOT blame or criticize yourself for overeating.

This time of year is really hard for those of us trying to lose or just maintain our weight. But cheer up, it'll all be over in 2 weeks. Yikes!

[MiconiumHappens]

OP I am feeling exactly the same. I have just returned to the UK after working abroad and loosing 2 Stone. Food is everywhere!! Especially carbs. Help someone invent a 20 kcal mince pie

It is really stressing me out too though.

[mamalula]

Thanks everyone. Helpful advice and I am definitely feeling better. I have decided to try and be grateful for all the good stuff like my family, that we are all healthy and happy! And trying to stop beating myself up. I find it really hard to "love myself" and my body which I know I am supposed to do but at least I can be grateful for all the good things.

[AcrossthePond55]

I'm glad you're feeling better. It's always good to remember how lucky we truly are.

A very Happy Christmas to you and your lovely family!

[OnePlanOnHouzz]

I've been fitting in with everyone else all my life - and spent a good part of it chubbier than I'd have liked - but I've finally realised that what and when I eat really is up to me - and no one can control that !
So now I eat what I feel is right for me , when it suits me ! So if that means just soup while everyone else is filling up on treats - I don't let it bother me ! As its my choice and I'm healthier because of my choices !
Just decide you want to be thinner / healthier /whatever and stick to it !

[Atreelapse]

Oneplan (lady above) I find it bizarre but people will always comment if one chooses a salad or soup, yet it's encouraged or considered polite to have just one cake like everyone else (I'm one of those people, if I have one I want more).

I do think we have to be mindful and assertive, it doesn't help being a people pleaser.

I sympathise with you original poster, food is everywhere and it's they stodge u tempting stuff that is readily available.

I have been taking a tip from another poster, just piling my plate sky high with veggies. This dorang stop the emptional, tired, boredom eating though.

I do think it's finding what suits you. If I have a massive breakfast I seem to be in huge appetite (not hunger) mode all day. I think the Nhs experts would say carb- a fistful, protein, size of the Palm and two full hand fills of veggies, and aim for three meals a day. Then choose 3 portions dairy.... At least that way you know you get a variety of nutrients. Obviously this is a very brief outline, and others on here swear by low carb, 5:2.... Good luck and just know you're not alone. Honestly, however hard I try, if I'm in a kitchen all day - I will eat all day .... If there is a loaf of bread, stodge carbs, cereal or chocolate within arms reach, I, will eat it. I wouldn't pass that marshmallow test they did with children!!!!

Best of luck

[Atreelapse]

Apologies for all the typing errors - auto correct text, I'll blame that...