According to research, men are really struggling with this issue. On the one hand, they expect themselves to be masculine and therefore couldn’t possibly suffer from a female dominated illness such as an eating disorder. On the other hand, they are becoming more conscious of their body image and therefore their weight and what they are eating. This must make it very difficult for men to talk about or seek help.

Never before in history have there been more beauty/weight products aimed solely at the male market. It's a booming industry.

The issue is whether this is a good thing or not. Of course obesity is a risk. Is it a risk worth taking? That depends on multiple factors. If one is slightly overweight but very happy with themselves then carry on! If one is slightly overweight, becomes obsessed with their body image and size, which then leads to a very unhealthy relationship with food, this can only be a bad thing.

Fortunately at this point in time, men are not resorting to drastic measures to control their weight such as vomiting or abusing laxatives. However, is this the way forward? One wonders if in the future will there be as many men as women with issues around food and weight?

If this is you, you are not alone, please seek help.

James

Planning will help. Get proactive and think about the difficulties that may come up during the Holidays. Make a list of all the things that may be challenging, and then come up with a solution/s to help you get through these situations in a positive way.

Food is an item of pleasure for many people, so look around you and discover all the other things that give you pleasure – walking in nature, playing with children, lighting scented candles or listening to great music (Kate Bush’s new album ’50 Words For Snow’ does it for me!).

Finally, keep self-esteem and self-worth high by focusing on all the things that you have achieved in 2011 and recognizing all the things in your life for which you are grateful.

Embrace the spirit of the Holidays to nurture, support and soothe you through the month ahead.

James

· You barely taste your food or experience having eaten it, and thus need more to feel satisfied.

· Your body doesn't have time to give you physical cues of satiation, so you eat painfully past full.

· Insufficient chewing causes problems with digestion that are uncomfortable and potentially dangerous.

People eat fast because they have more important things to do, so eating is low priority, more a functional necessity for the body than a pleasureable experience.

People eat fast to avoid emotions, be it anxiety, stress or anger. People also eat fast to invoke feelings of relaxation and calm.

People also eat fast to avoid being judged by others, especially if they are visually overweight.

We all have the capacity to eat slowly and enjoy our food, so remember:

· You have the right to take time for self-care and enjoyment - you don't have to be productive every waking minute, nor should you be.

·You have the right to savour and enjoy delicious food in all its sensual glory, no matter what your current weight.

Here is an exercise that will slow your eating down, and help you tune into the experience of eating and the emotions you are feeling:

1.    Cook a meal and sit at a table with no distractions from the TV, reading material, computer or other people

2.    Place a notepad and pen next to your plate

3.    Eat a mouthful and put down your cutlery

4.    Chew the food noticing the texture, taste and flavour of the food

5.    Notice how quickly it takes you to put food into your mouth, how many times you chew your food, and where in your mouth you chew your food

6.    Become aware of other sensations in your body as you eat, and notice if you feel any emotions

7.    Write notes in the pad as you eat your meal, being fully aware of the experience of eating

8.    Check in as you near the end of the meal, and notice how full you feel and exactly where you notice this

What was your experience of eating slow?