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A Recipe for Overeating

The holiday season provides the perfect ingredients for overeating. Run yourself down physically by not sleeping, exercising, eating when you're hungry, or consuming nutritious foods.
By 

Author, 'Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat' book series; Founder, Am I Hungry? Mindful Eating Programs and Training

Author, 'Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat' book series; Founder, Am I Hungry? Mindful Eating Programs and Training
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The holiday season provides the perfect ingredients for overeating.

Ingredients:

1 batch, bag, box, plate, or buffet of food
2 tablespoons of deprivation
1 heaping teaspoon of guilt
A sprinkle of shame
Optional: fatigue, stress, resentment, loneliness, perfectionism, boredom

Directions:

  1. Run yourself down physically by not sleeping, exercising, eating when you're hungry, or consuming nutritious foods. Alternatively, wear yourself out by working too hard, being all things to all people, and trying to make everything perfect.

  • Place emotions on medium-high. Cover and simmer; do not allow steam to escape.

  • When you crave something you love, remind yourself that it's bad, fattening, or high in fat and carbs.

  • When your cravings grow stronger, tell yourself that you're bad for wanting "bad" food.

  • Wait until an influential person such as your grandmother or co-worker insists you eat that food anyway to please them. Alternatively, sneak the food when no one is watching.

  • Sit down in front of the TV or choose another activity to distract yourself while you eat.

  • Before eating, garnish the food with guilt. If it's still enjoyable, stir in some shame to ensure that the food is completely ruined.

  • Eat as quickly as possible to avoid tasting or enjoying the food.

  • You're done when you feel sick and uncomfortable.

  • Repeat steps 1-9 until can't stand it anymore. Finally, try the Recipe for Mindful Eating.

    • Recipe for Mindful Eating

    Ingredients:

    1 or 2 servings of food you love
    2 tablespoons of intention
    1 heaping teaspoon of attention
    A sprinkle of trust
    Optional: pleasure, enjoyment, celebration, tradition

    Directions:

    1. Care for yourself physically by getting adequate sleep, exercise, and nutrition.

  • Create a self-care buffer zone by regularly nurturing your body, mind, heart, and spirit.

  • When you're hungry, consider what you want, what you need, and what you have to eat before choosing food.

  • Decide how you want to feel when you're finished eating; serve yourself accordingly (or adjust the portion if someone else served you).

  • When the food you crave isn't particularly healthful, omit all guilt and shame. Remind yourself that all foods fit when you practice balance, variety, and moderation.

  • Sit down to eat and minimize distractions.

  • Savor the appearance, aromas, textures, and flavors as you eat.

  • Eat slowly and mindfully for maximal enjoyment from every bite.

  • Stop when you feel content and energetic.

  • Repeat steps 1-9 for the remainder of your life.

    • For more by Michelle May, M.D., click here.

    For more on wellness, click here.

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