Indulgence or Discipline: What to do when those holiday treats are calling your name!
Dr. Jeff, December 13th, 2009 Each year, between the end of November and the beginning of January, Americans face the greatest test by our biggest enemy: our self-indulgent human nature.
If you have ever been around young children, you know very well that it is normal for them to be “me, me, me, I, I, I” driven. This inborn world-view of ourself as the center of the Universe comes naturally. It is, of course, the job of parents to help focus a child away from his selfish viewpoint and to consider the needs, wants, and desires of other people. However, many times, this self-indulgent attitude is actually encouraged by parental permissiveness that gives in to the child’s every wish….especially during times of celebration.
It is not a surprise that when the end of the year rolls around we are tempted by the unhealthy offerings of numerous holiday parties and gatherings, filled with their delicious treats. In fact, it is very easy to be tempted beyond the minimal self-control many of us possess.
But wait, there is hope! You can learn to practice self-control even during the holidays. In fact, this season is the best time to expel those “demons” of pastries, cookies, ice cream, fried foods, fatty foods, and general over-eating. If you develop discipline in December, you can have self-control any time of year.
The first thing to do is take a long hard look in the mirror. Ask yourself, “Do I look like I am supposed to look, or do I have a few (or more) extra pounds of baggage on my waist, hips, legs, and….um, elsewhere?” Now to do this, you need to “get naked”, yes completely naked, and you need to be brutally honest. Turn the lights up, and use a handheld mirror to see your back. (Ouch!) For most people, this should be incentive enough. 
If you are not motivated to change at this point, or maybe you’re just one of those people who don’t get fat, you should consider the internal health aspects of holiday binging.
More than 50% of all people in the United States die from heart disease, 25% die from cancer, 10% die from diabetes… Should I go on? These diseases are all related to dietary and lifestyle choices. Even if you are “genetically predisposed” to them, they don’t just manifest in a vacuum. In fact, if you are predisposed, then that is all the more reason you must control how you eat and live!
The next thing to do is to wear tight fitting clothes when you are out to dinner or parties. (I’m not joking!) And do not, under any circumstance, “OPEN THE TOP BUTTON” of your pants while eating. They should be sufficiently uncomfortable to remind you to keep your food portions to a minimum.
When choosing deserts, you can find many healthy alternatives in whole foods markets or you can easily learn to bake with whole grain and unprocessed sweeteners. If you are concerned that a party you are visiting will not have healthy desert alternatives, bring your own as a gift.
So, this year, overcome your unhealthy desires to overindulge, and get disciplined. Maybe don’t stop by every party to which you’re invited, and for the ones you do attend, use your mouth more to talk with others at the party than to eat and drink, and “Just say ‘No’” to holiday binging.
(Don’t worry, there are plenty of New Year’s resolutions for you to make other than a post-holiday diet!)
That it may go well with you,
Dr. Jeff
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If you enjoyed this article, please CLICK HERE to check out our related webinar — Holiday Wellness: How to Celebrate & Still Feel Great!
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