Not to freak anyone out, but did you know we’re barely two
months from the holidays? For most of us, that means we have lots of work to do
in the shopping and wrapping departments. And although these may not be the
most enjoyable activities, I can think of one other that usually creates even
more anxiety for those trying to lose weight -- holiday gatherings.
If you’re a little like me, you probably make a few lists
around this time of year. I have a “People to buy for” list, “Things my family
has asked for” list, “Where I’ve hidden certain gifts” list, “Parties to attend
list”, “Dinner Menu” list, and of course several ongoing “Grocery” lists. So,
really what’s one more list?
This year, for all us list-makers, I’m proposing a new type
of list. After all, we’ve gotten into this list-making habit because it works
for us. Right? It keeps us more organized. It helps us plan. It provides those
little reminders when there’s so much going on around us.
This holiday season, I’m suggesting to all my clients (and
anyone reading this) that we use our organization skills as we try to have a
little fun with those often-dreaded holiday parties and dinners. Let’s face it
– the reason we dread and try to avoid these gatherings is mostly because of
the food. We think that if we don’t go to the party, then we can’t overeat or
eat the wrong foods. But really, is this any way for us to enjoy our holidays?
So, make a list in advance of all your favorite foods you
usually meet up with during the holiday season. Create four columns and in the
first column list all your favorites – especially your grandmother’s pumpkin
pie, Mom’s four-cheese lasagna, Aunt Marge’s cheesecake, and your boss’s wife’s
Gingerbread cookies. You get the idea… write down all your favorites.
Then, label the headings of the next three columns
“Nutrition”, “Lightness” and “Taste”.
Next, rate each food from 1-10. (1= very little; 10=lots!)
- How
much nutrition will this food provide your body?
- How light
will one serving of this food make your body feel?
- How
much do you love this food’s taste?
- Then,
total each row.
Here’s my list…
|
Food
|
Nutrition
|
Lightness
|
Taste
|
Total
|
|
Mashed potatoes & gravy
|
5
|
3
|
7
|
15
|
|
Sweet potato casserole
|
5
|
4
|
8
|
17
|
|
Squash
|
7
|
8
|
10
|
25
|
|
Clams Casino
|
3
|
5
|
8
|
16
|
|
Cut-out cookies
|
1
|
4
|
10
|
15
|
|
Linguine with clam sauce
|
6
|
6
|
9
|
21
|
|
Pistachio Jello
|
1
|
3
|
9
|
13
|
Even though this is just a sample of my favorite holiday
foods, what I like most about my list is that it shows me comparisons. I chose
to compare nutrition, lightness, and taste because these are what matter most
to me when deciding which foods to put into my body.
Now that I have a list, I can use it to plan before I attend
my holiday gatherings. Even though I can’t predict every type of food at each
party, I’ll be more prepared just by imagining what foods might be there. For
example, since feeling light in my body is important, I’ll want to take it very
easy on those mashed potatoes and gravy, because they have a very low rating on
my “lightness” scale.
Most importantly, by creating this list, I’m taking the time
to think about what each food will do for my body. I’m recognizing more than
just taste. I’m recognizing my body’s health. I’m creating a list of
information that I can use in my effort to make healthy choices.
So, really… what’s one more list? And unlike all your other
lists… this one’s all about You!
