Psychologist and Overeating Expert Shares Tips on Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain

Enjoy the Holidays and Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

Bellingham, WA – (DECEMBER  8, 2009) – It’s the most indulgent time of year: the holiday season. And most people use food as their main over-indulgence (to the tune of an extra 619 calories a day on average!). But according to one psychologist who specializes in weight loss for busy professional women, you can avoid the holiday weight gain by focusing on the fundamentals of making choices.

“The holiday season should be about joy, not regrets,” says Melissa McCreery, PhD, ACC, founder of www.TooMuchonHerPlate.com. “The key is to know that you can always take control of what you are putting in your mouth.”

Dr. McCreery is a clinical psychologist and certified, accredited coach who helps women who are struggling to lose weight by focusing on identifying the triggers that cause their over-eating.

According to McCreery, it’s often the mindless eating that ends up packing on the holiday pounds. She offers some tips to help women make the right choices, without feeling deprived during this celebratory season.

1.    Have a plan for eating and exercise. “It’s an especially busy time of year, so it’s easy to grab a snack here and there, or skip exercise to get other activities done,” she says. “Take a few moments each week to pre-plan. Schedule your exercise in – and decide what you will eat and when you will eat it.”
2.    Sometimes it’s the stress – so think before you put it in your mouth. “Emotional eating – especially stress eating, often sneaks up on women, especially during the holidays,” says the doctor. “So pay attention to those times when you want something to eat and ask why. Anticipate stressful situations or events and ask yourself in advance how you can handle them without overeating.”
3.    Take time to enjoy the season with loved ones. “Instead of spending time inside, add an extra walk or two with family and friends so you can truly enjoy and value good cheer,” says Dr. McCreery. “The extra walks will increase your energy level and can relieve stress, while burning calories.”
4.    Don’t try to be perfect. “It’s ok to indulge so allow yourself to,” she says. “If you are too hard on yourself, with calorie counting or avoiding a certain food, you’ll end up frustrated—and possibly even bingeing or overeating later on. Plan for indulgences and give yourself permission to savor those treats.”

For more tactics and tips, and to receive a free audio course on “5 Simple Ways to Move Beyond Overwhelm with Food and Life” visit www.TooMuchOnHerPlate.com

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Contact:
Shannon Cherry
PR for Dr. Melissa McCreery
800.257.0633, ext 4
smc@cherrycommunications.com