Holiday Eating, Why Do We Worry?
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So many articles can be seen at this time of the year about "Tips for getting through the Holidays without gaining weight." We worry so much at Holiday season about stress, overeating, staying in shape, and so on. Yes, these are valid concerns, but the Holiday season is to be enjoyed and all the buzz and frantic feel is part of it. Following are some rational ways to navigate this year's season.
Stress and overeating are two of the biggest concerns I see written about and hear about. Interestingly, they are interrelated! Short-term stress, as experienced in the Holiday season, as well as lack of sleep from the many commitments at this time can lead to a tendency to overeat.
Your brain gets "confused" and you think you are hungry, but really you are tired, or thirsty, or have too much on your mind. Try to be aware of this-slow down for a minute, do decide what your body really needs…a nap? Some water? To check the calendar and make some lists? Maybe food is not what you need at all. Perhaps you do need something to eat. Take a breath, and check in with your body, and then proceed!
Also comes the baking, and the parties, the goodies and all the other fun things that come with the Holidays. Try to be realistic and go to the cookie exchanges, parties and so forth without fear.
Don't follow "party going rules" like eating beforehand. You'd probably eat at the party anyway and then feel guilty. Go ahead and eat at the party, just try to remember when you are full. Also, some things come around only once a year-like eggnog or a special cookie. There is no harm in having some of these special annual treats, and you will end up gaining less weight in the end if you just eat to your hunger wherever you are! Don't forget the food WILL be back again next year!
Another important nutrient to remember is water. If you become dehydrated you'll end up with headaches and fatigue which will make things harder to manage. Also, with cooler weather it can become harder to remember to drink water. Try to make a game and fill up a bottle or two and drink them within a certain period of time. Or use any other tactic that you know works for you.
While you are shopping and running around between activities, it can be a good idea to bring along some healthful snacks. Fruit such as grapes or apples keeps very well. Other options include cheese sticks, raw mini carrots or a box of whole grain crackers.
With these along you won't rely on fast food stops or be excessively hungry when you return home later in the day.
Try not to be overly worried about your busy days. Take each day in stride, and don't think about it all at once. Have a blessed Holiday Season!!
Rachael Martin, M.S., R.D. is the owner of Eating and Body Image Solutions, a nutritional therapy and consulting business. She also works as a freelance writer and speaker on nutritional topics. Her specialties include mental health nutrition, eating disorders, weight management, longevity nutrition and PCOS. She can be reached at 235.1568 or at ebis-rd@earthlink.net
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