I won't run through the same old tip about eating healthy during the holidays. You know the ones; eat before you go out, only have a sampling of your faves, split dessert etc. Instead I want to share a few reverse psychology tricks.
Sometimes, after weeks of eating healthy foods we want the junk because it's labeled as "unhealthy" or "cheat food." It's simply wanting something that you can't have. There are three solutions to this:
1. Eat junk food more often.
This seems counter-intuitive but this strategy works for a lot of people because indulging regularly takes away the need to gorge on a grand scale when your willpower completely collapses. And after enough time goes by, where you're fighting between a controlled and crazy appetite, something has to give. It's usually willpower.
2. Don't think of it as cheat food.
Another tip is to stop thinking about food as good and bad. People always have want what they can't have. Although it would be a stretch to ever try to convince yourself that celery sticks are the new chocolate bars it's easy to pull some reverse psychology on your psyche and convince your brain that the chocolate is not all that it's cracked up to be and opting for the real food is just as satisfying, if not more.
3. Focus on Socialization
You're at a party/holiday gathering to be with your friends and family so do just that. The food isn't the main reason why you're visiting. Catch up on stories, reminisce about the past and enjoy the company of loved ones that you don't normally see all in the same room at once.
Use these tips to change the way you think about going to holiday parties and keep your diet on track!
