I know that Christmas is fast approaching. This is a struggle for many people who
imagine a thinner silhouette. I have a few tips up my sleeve to help you get through
the next couple of weeks with out destroying your fun!

#1 DON’T CUT OUT THE COMFORT FOOD.

Often the first things to go when “on a diet” is the comfort food.

With Eat, Shrink & Be Happy, you’re not on a diet. BUT you may be tempted to cut out all chocolate, sugar, potatoes and bread. DON’T DO IT!

In my own experience, the moment I tell myself, “Kim, you know you said you wouldn’t eat that,” that is ALL I can think about. It occupies my entire mind space. Then what happens? … I end up sitting down and eating an entire bag of crackers and brie!

Don’t fall into that trap! There is nothing that will test your will power and your
sanity more, than cutting out comfort food.

Try this instead: Don’t cut it out. Allow yourself to eat whatever you want, but
pay attention to every bite. Notice the flavor and texture and enjoy every bit of
it. You’ll notice you eat a lot less because you are aware when you’re satisfied and you
just naturally stop eating.

#2 NOTICE WHEN YOU’RE HUNGRY. BUT if you’re going to eat it anyway:

“I’m not hungry but I’m going to eat this anyway.”

Another corner-stone of my action guide is to constantly check in and see
whether you’re hungry or not. Sometimes you aren’t hungry, but have a
craving anyway. Decide that you’re going to eat it. Say it out loud. (Go
into the bathroom so people don’t think you’re nuts) and repeat:

“I’m not hungry but I’m going to eat this anyway.”

Then promise yourself that you’re going to enjoy every last bit. AND
promise yourself you will not feel guilty afterward. This doesn’t work if you eat it
and then beat yourself up. That will just cause more emotional cravings.

#3 PRESENTATION IS KEY.

Something that looks beautiful and has a beautiful name is going to
taste better. It is also going to make you feel more satisfied.

Think of 2 restaurants: A fast food chain, they name their signature
hamburger….a hamburger.

Now think of a really fancy restaurant.
They might also have a hamburger, with the very same ingredients
(basically) and it is called something like a “Texan’s Choice Sirloin
Beef Steak Burger”.

What makes your mouth water more? What do you think will satisfy
you more? Yep. The fancy one.

So if you are hosting the holiday meal, come up with some interesting
names for some of your dishes. (Think “Gourmet Frenched Green Bean
Casserole, and 12 Whole Grain, Cranberry and Almond Stuffing.
You guests will be wowed (they will think you put more work into it
and they’ll think it tastes better) and you will be satisfied with less, because
you have tricked your brain into thinking it’s better quality.

#4 20% RULE

This is probably the easiest to do (in theory). You can eat 20% more
or less and your stomach doesn’t notice. They have actually done
studies on this.

This is great news now that you know it. SO put 20% less on your plate
than you think you will want to eat. (You might try to hold back 1 scoop of
mashed potatoes,  and 2 pieces of turkey instead of 3).

Don’t try to put 50% less. You will notice, then you’ll go back for seconds
and the point of this is wasted. 20% will do. Then eat it, savoring it.

Set the intention to eat only until you are no longer hungry and enjoy
every second!

Hopefully those tips will have you thinking in a more relaxed way. Have
a plan in mind to tackle the next couple of weeks. The holidays don’t
have to be a struggle for you!

Remember that you are fabulous exactly as you are right now. And
that you’re doing the best you can. Your perfect body is the one you’re in.

In 6 months she might weigh less, but she will still be the same person.

Relax. Use a smaller plate, a taller glass and enjoy every minute of
these wonderful days!

Interested in more tips for surviving the holiday food-fest? Check out the Eat, Shrink, and Be Happy Action Guide. Not a diet book, it will help you to accept yourself, love yourself and lose weight while you admire the wonderful women in the mirror!

Want to use this in your eZine or on your blog? That’s fine as long as you don’t alter it in any way and include the following:

Kimberly Englot is the Authentic-Life Coach, & CEO of Authentic Self Personal Development. Her VIP Coaching and group programs  will teach you to discover your authentic self and be free to change careers, find relationships, lose weight and pursue greatness! Clear away 6 years of “baggage” in 6 weeks with The Master LIFE Cleanse.