by Dr Peggy on January 10, 2012
All of us have wished at some point in our lives to get a “do-over.” In fact, we spend quite a bit of time thinking about the things we wish we could do over. I guess it’s just part of our struggle to stay in the present.
The new year is one time when do-overs may be appropriate. I think of New Year’s Resolutions as do-overs. If you take a close look at your list of resolutions, you will probably find a whole bunch of things that you want to correct. You want to be thinner – a do-over of all the eating you have done that you shouldn’t have done. You want to exercize more – a do-over of all those times you sat on the couch and watched tv. You want to have a better relationship with your child – a do-over for all those times when you lost your temper or didn’t get a chance to say what you really felt because you were so busy saying what you thought you should say.
Let’s look at the new year as a chance to be in the moment and act differently. The goal here is so that next year we don’t need any do-overs. Not that we won’t make mistakes, we all will. But rather that we are so busy enjoying all of the joys (as well as the challenges) of the here and now that we don’t think there is any need to look back at what we should have done differently.
Here are a few suggestions:
We resolve to listen first and think second.
We resolve to ask our teenager what they think (about anything).
We resolve to look for chances to be with our kids – in the here and now.
We resolve to put down our digital devices as a family for one night a week. (Ouch…)
Just a few ideas. I know you can think of many, many more. Just work to stay in the here and now and to be aware of what is being said as opposed to your reaction to it. Not as easy as it sounds.
by Dr Peggy on November 18, 2011
Here are Underdue Social Services, lots of emails come around during the holidays with great information. Here is one to share with all of you. It’s a bit of really good advice for Thanksgiving Dinner.
Apr 26, 2011 | By B. Lynn
Ms. Lynn is an educator and freelance writer living in Pennsylvania. She has been writing professionally for three years and is a graduate of the Institute for Children’s Literature. She writes for many niches including education, health, and beauty. You can contact her at b.lynn10@hotmail.com.
Thanksgiving is all about giving gratitude for everything you have and appreciating the people in your life. Families come together to celebrate each other, give thanks and have a big feast together. Traditional Thanksgiving meal favorites are turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potato pie, pumpkin pie, rolls and alcohol. Thanksgiving dinner can easily spoil a diet or just leave you feeling stuffed, bloated and unable to partake in the merriment of the holidays. Thanksgiving also marks the beginning of the holiday season, so overeating on this day can set you on course to gain excess weight throughout the next month or two.
Step 1
Eat a healthy, sensible breakfast and lunch. Many people choose to starve themselves through the day so they can have more room for the scrumptious meal. This will lead to binge eating. Instead, have a small, healthy breakfast and lunch. Drink water throughout the day to keep you from overeating or consuming empty calories from soda or alcohol. This will help you feel more satisfied so you won’t overeat at dinner.
Step 2
Chew your meal slowly. Thanksgiving is the ideal time to sit down, eat your meal slowly and relish every bite. You will feel fuller faster, which will help you avoid overeating. Food is a wonderful part of Thanksgiving, but so is spending time with family and friends. Put down the fork for a few minutes, join the conversation, and you will eat less without noticing it.
Step 3
Use smaller plates. Depending on where you go for Thanksgiving it may be impossible, but if you are the host or your family doesn’t mind, consider grabbing a smaller plate for your meal. You will feel like you are eating more than your actually are and will be less likely to overeat.
Step 4
Create a tiny, portioned smorgasbord. Between all of the delectable food, your great aunt asking if you tried her pie yet, and all of the goodies being passed your way, it is easy to be tempted to eat everything. Instead of having a big meal of turkey and potatoes and then trying everything else on top of it, have a little bit of everything. On most days, you should try to eat more vegetables and fruits than anything else, but on Thanksgiving, make your goal to avoid overeating. Allow yourself a spoonful or two of everything you love, pass over what you don’t. You will end up feeling satisfied and will get to try everything you want without stuffing yourself silly.
Article reviewed by Elizabeth Ahders Last updated on: Apr 26, 2011
