Are Your Treats Getting the Best of You?

Just a few short years ago, I was really trying to figure out how I had gained so much weight, and why so suddenly, it felt I couldn’t control what I put in my mouth, nor could I control how much I ate. With much thought and inner reflection, I realized my behaviors around the holidays was one large piece of the puzzle.

         Halloween was always the kick-off, it seemed, to the mass of sugar binges that I engulfed myself in through out the winter months. Kit Kat bars, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and Hershey Chocolates would find their way missing from my daughter’s deep trick or treat bag. Sometimes, I would find myself sitting with a pile of candy in front of me, practically dazed, peeling one wrapper after another, and barely tasting the poison inside. I was finding myself landing in January with five or six more pounds than I was the January before. Soon, it added up to over 30 pounds!

         Since then, I have gotten rid of that weight and connected with many of my destructive self – sabotaging habits and found my way to where I am today – 30 pounds lighter, much happier and healthier! Today, I take comfort in knowing that my new perspectives on food allow me to have the occasional York peppermint patty, or a few Rolos. I have learned to slow down, chew slowly and relish my moments, making sure I not only taste them, but feel the creamy chocolate and blends of flavors in a sensual moment just for me. Then, I’m completely satisfied and I move on.

         If you feel like you’ve already started your holiday season one foot under the sugar barrel, these tips will help you to regain control and move through the season with tools to control your cravings and help you to enjoy without over indulging!

         Just as I learned to do, slow down. Being focused and centered when you are eating has been shown to have many benefits. Doing so will allow your body to be able to tell your mind when you are full, but also will allow you to fully register what you are eating. This may be just the key to let your brain tell your body, “oh, that was fun.” and then you are able to move on.

         If you find you are craving sweets more frequently than you care to, as sugar is highly addictive, try starting with a nice glass of water. Once you have finished that, wait a few minutes and see if you are still driven to have sugar.

         Take a deep breath and a break. Often, we are reaching for sweets simply because we are over stressed. Taking time out to allow your body and mind to relax may be the ticket to reducing the cravings, and to allow you to listen to what your body is really saying.

         Check in with yourself, what are you really looking for? Are you reaching for sweets because you are in a career that is not satisfying to you, are you in a relationship that isn’t nurturing you, or are you reaching for sweets as a form of entertainment? Sometimes we turn to food to fill a role food simply cannot fill. This is a good question to ask yourself when you are reaching, it may be the first step to a great journey!

Tammi Hoerner is an AADP Board Certified Health Coach at Rocky Mountain Healing Center, who helps busy women find their way to their greatest health and life! For more information, call today for your FREE One Hour Consultation – this one conversation may change your life!