The holidays are steadily approaching. Even though many more people are staying home due to COVID-19, it isn’t stopping the festivities. From preparing a big feast for one to downing some eggnog, a little pandemic isn’t going to stop the feast.
If you’ve been trying to keep the pounds off, however, this can be a nightmare. This article will help you be on the right track.
Understanding Why We Eat More
Many of us eat more during the winter season, and there are several reasons for this. It can vary from person to person, of course, but in general, it boils down to these reasons:
· There are yummy foods available during the holidays that you can’t get any other time. From holiday cookies to pumpkin pie, it’s hard not to put down the fork.
· Everyone else is doing it. Peer pressure is definitely a reason for you wanting to eat more during the holidays.
· When it gets colder, there is a natural instinct to want to eat more.
· We tend to drink more during the holidays. Alcohol has plenty of calories, and many of us underestimate how much a cup of eggnog has.
· Finally, wintertime can bring depression. One symptom of depression is wanting to eat more.
By knowing why we eat more, it can help us control how we eat. Eating is a major part of controlling weight. A bit of exercise is as well, but it’s hard to outrun a big holiday meal.
Cut Back or Replace Certain Foods
This holiday season, be mindful of what you eat. There are many different foods and drinks that are high in calories, and by replacing them or cutting back on them, you can save calories. Some examples include:
· Eggnog. It’s a calorie sinkhole. If you’re going to have a drink, look for holiday-themed seltzers, which tend to be low in calories.
· Pies. Pie can have a lot of calories. Eat a smaller slice if you’re going to have it.
· Dark-skinned meat. Eating white turkey tends to be low in calories, so go for that. Country ham is another meat that has plenty of calories.
· Cookies. It’s hard to eat just one, which is why you may want to avoid them.
For some people, their diet or calorie count may allow for an occasional indulgence. With that said, it’s always important to see how many calories you’re eating and what the damage is.
Pretty Much All Thanksgiving Foods Need to Be Eaten in Moderation
Minus some white turkey without the skin, all the Thanksgiving foods are calorie rich. There’s a reason we associate the holiday with our bellies being full and feeling sleepy.
Even the fruits and veggies. That green bean casserole is packed with calories, and so is the cranberry sauce. Not to mention, who doesn’t go into a Thanksgiving meal without expecting to eat a slice of pie?
Having it on one day is okay, but you may want to think twice about having leftovers. If you do, be mindful.
Mood Eating
Many of us overindulge on the holidays due to boredom or depression. If you feel this way, it’s important to find a distraction. For example, you may find it beneficial to turn on a movie or try a hobby when you feel the urge to eat.
Alternatively, have some healthy snacks nearby, such as fruit. This can satisfy those cravings without giving you too many calories.
Be Healthy on Other Fronts
If you aren’t getting enough sleep, you may feel hungrier. Also, being sedentary can make you feel hungry. By getting enough exercise and sleep, it can reduce your chances of overindulgence during the holidays.
It’s Okay to Mess Up
With all that said, few people are going to be perfect this holiday season. Maybe you saw some delicious-looking cookies at the store and ate too much. Not to mention, who ends up eating perfectly during Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, or other holidays? Very few. Having a day to indulge a little is okay, and if you end up eating too much outside those days, it’s not the end of the world. The important thing is to do better next time.
Seeking Help
With all that said, if you’re eating too much due to depression or another mental health issue, it’s easier said than done to control yourself. It’s important to seek therapy if you have chronic depression, anxiety, or if you just need to speak someone during the holidays and beyond.
More people are seeing the benefits of online therapy like that with BetterHelp therapists, which may be beneficial to you. May you have the best possible holidays this year.
Article By: Marie Miguel
