Well, the holiday season is fast approaching and so are the lures of temptation. You know what that means ... candy, buffets, cakes and cookies ... oh my!
Yes, that dreaded word: TEMPTATION!
Winter is fast approaching, too. The "s-word" is a bad word to me ... I mean "snow"! Winter is especially bad because, in the past, I was cooped up stuffing my face due to boredom or being snowed in.
So, I feel it is time to address these matters of temptation (regarding the holiday season) and "isolating oneself" due to the winter blues.
After all, what are the causes of temptation? For myself: depression, anger, anxiety, hopelessness and boredom come to my hamster-driven, little mind. Reasons for submitting to temptation are different for everyone. The holiday season is supposed to be joyful and to celebrate with family and friends. Though for some, it may not be as happy. For instance, some people may experience loss of a loved one. Or, have trouble with finances (loss of job, home, etc...). Or, hate winter. Whatever the case may be, how does a person cope with any issues without overeating (or, for some ... getting the proper nutrition)?
What I do know is that emotional overeating was (is) a key component to weight gain and expanding (literally) into an unhealthy lifestyle.
What is a good way to combat the doldrums of temptation? I think for every person that is different.
For me, I try to remain positive, no matter what. Like I've said before, I try to turn a negative reaction or thought into a positive one. I, also, try to educate myself on a variety of information or reference materials that will give me clues on proper nutrition, exercise, or inspirational stories.
It is also crucial to sustain a support system; whether it is a support group and/or family and friends rooting you onward!
Some people may not have an adequate support system. Maybe even their families or friends are unconsciously enabling or sabotaging the individual.
So, what do you do about that? I try to remember I am my own worst enemy at times but, more importantly, my biggest cheerleader! I think that "peer or family pressure" is heightened during the holiday season. Buffets, Christmas cookie clubs, family gatherings and parties are nice; however, these gatherings can (although not to everyone) be an overwhelming obstacle to getting oneself back on track.
On the other hand, I think it is even more destructive if you deprive yourself of a little tempting behavior.
For instance, Halloween candy calls my name. Meaning, I love candy bars ... especially candy that is on sale! Believe it or not, I can make better candy decisions, like dark chocolate, yogurt covered pretzels, or even chocolate covered raisins. It may sound like a major oxymoron, but, sometimes eating a candy bar here or there gets the cravings" out of my system.
The other day, I was watching the program on NBC called "The Biggest Loser" while stuffing my face with that on sale, candy bar. Curiously enough, I felt quite inspired by that show despite the peanut butter-chocolate mustache. Seriously, sometimes listening to others' inspiring stories does motivate me. If they can do it, so can I; even if I have to wake up early to go to the gym. Grumble-Grumble.
So, in a nutshell, having temptations are "normal"; it is just how you overcome the issue and to NOT beat yourself up. It is also important to keep yourself busy, especially in winter; either by going to the mall to walk laps, going to a water aerobics class, or going to the gym. Also, every little decision (good or bad) directly influences everything in the big picture of life. Additionally, making connections with others or hearing one's story can also be a fantastic motivator.
Here's some good news! I went to my doctor the other day ... she told me I lost 19 pounds since my last visit; that made me very happy. In my last column, I weighed 303 pounds and this time I weigh 300 pounds. Goody-goody-gum-drops! I'm back to a great start. Until next time ...
Casi Stewart can be reached at her e-mail: casichilstew@yahoo.com. A Weighty Issue appears every other Monday on the Life page.
