Hello, list!

Sorry I've been silent for so long. I've been crazy busy with work
and ministry, but I haven't forgotten you guys!

With the big food holiday coming up, I thought I'd send out some
practical tips on surviving the day. This is not a devotional, but
some helpful reminders. And remember to give God thanks for the many
blessing you have today. The full article can be found here:
http://www.mirror-mirror.org/holiday.htm.


Make a list of things you can do to help relax and distract yourself
from the feelings of fullness after a big meal. e.g. go for a walk,
take a bath, read, visit a friend, go for a drive, etc.

Have the phone numbers of friends available to you.

If you have to be at a function with certain people who make you
uncomfortable, plan ways to excuse yourself from their immediate presence.

Try not to count calories and try to avoid the scale.

If you feel yourself starting to panic because you are feeling too
full or if you allowed yourself to eat foods that you consider to be
forbidden, remind yourself it is okay to eat what you did, that food
will not make you fat, and it is only normal to eat more during the
holidays. Most people do and it really is okay.

If you have a period where you end up bingeing or purging, do not beat
yourself up over it. Just put it behind you and move forward.

Prepare responses to make to people who may say something to you that
would make you uncomfortable. If you feel you need to, set some
boundaries for yourself by telling people ahead of time that you do
not want anyone to comment on your appearance or your eating.

Be sure to plan some time for yourself to do something that you enjoy.
It is very important to take special care of yourself during the holidays.

Written by: Sharon Sward