A healthy response to overeating.
Before Thanksgiving, I talked with all of my clients about how they would approach this food – centered holiday. Having a plan can make a huge difference in how you approach food any day and especially on TG.
Even if you had a plan, it’s possible it was derailed by the pecan pie or you just ended the day feeling unhappy with your food choices.
In response to overeating, it’s very common to “restrict” or cut back somewhat drastically in calories. Unfortunately, this tactic backfires 9x out of 10.
After a morning or afternoon of restricting which you might disguise as a “cleanse” or “detox” it’s extremely likely that you’ll end up overeating again the moment your resolve weakens.
Even those with the best “self control” can end up binge eating when faced with conflict with a bestie, being cast in a role you’re not happy with or questioning your position in your company.
Stress, emotions, and conflict when kept inside often lead to self – destructive actions.
The best response to overeating is to eat normally at your next meal.
Aim for the next meal to be home – cooked, full of nutrients and totally satisfying. You might enjoy some soup and kale salad. Don’t restrict any food groups, go for well rounded, healthy AND delicious – include protein, healthy fat and complex carbs. Juliet Doherty’s Curry is a great option!
In addition to having a well balanced meal, start to look at where you felt you went wrong. Are you being overly stringent with food? Do you need to allow yourself to be more flexible with your meal plan? Would you benefit from additional planning for meals in group and/or family settings?
And go a bit deeper. Is there work you need to do to improve your body image? Are you dealing with food fears or deeply worried that you won’t reach your body goals?
Here’s some good news : for long lasting, positive changes in your body you’ve got to play the long game. A single meal will not make or break your body goals and any results you see from short term calorie restriction will not serve you in the long term.
One of the most important things for dancers to know is that calories in/calories out as a method to reach your best body has been largely debunked. All calories are not created equal. This is why at The Whole Dancer you’ll never see calorie count recommendation or promotion of calorie counting as a way to reach your best body.
If you’re looking for support, The Dancer’s Best Body Program re – opens in early 2018. After the hoopla of the holidays you can focus in on yourself and use the tools, tips and coaching of this program to reach your personal best body in a sustainable and healthy way. Join the VIP waitlist here.
Black Friday Savings :
Need coaching now? Sign up for a single 30 – minute One on One Success session here, or a series of 4, 30 – minute coaching sessions here. Use code twdblackfriday for 15% savings through this Monday, November 27! This code is also valid on The Whole Dancer Program!
Photo by uwlideas on TrendHype / CC BY
