Dietary Downfalls

Why does it seem that we gain the most weight quickest durring the holidays? With all of the hustle & bustle of Christmas shopping, doesn't it stand to reason that we're MORE active these days than other days of the year?

Could it be because we have allowed ourselves a feasting season? That seemingly endless time of temptation that starts with Halloween candy and continues with Thanksgiving stuffing and pies, merry-making treats, large delicious holiday dinners with all the trimmings, then New Year's toasts. Even beyond Jan. 1, there are Super Bowl chips and dips and Valentine's Day chocolates to contend with. It seems that there are a consecutive 4 months that we have dedicated to celebration; carelessly casting our eating habits aside until we smell the sweet Spring scent of apple blossoms.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, most Americans -- 68% in April 2009 -- do not engage in vigorous, leisure-time physical activity. Add in the time demands of the holidays and the urge to stay inside because of the weather, and you have a recipe for even more inactivity.
With all this working against us, just how can we keep from overeating?

First, it is key to identify the main factors that can lead to overeating. We shall call them dietary downfalls.

1. Food-focused celebrations. Complete with friends, alcohol & good conversation, the temptation to overindulge is increased. The alcohol served at many social events can also destroy our resolve to eat in moderation.
2. Stress. As if there weren't enough stress in everyday life, holiday obligations and expectations add to the strain. In an effort to ensure that you have the perfect holiday, you're doing all these extra things, like making sure you have the right decorations out and making sure your cards are done. All that extra work can be overwhelming. It can add to the stress, and the stress can lead to the overeating.
3. Exhaustion. The demands of fall/winter festivities can leave people feeling sluggish and sleep-deprived. And when people are tired, they're more likely to overeat.
4. Emotional eating. Some people use food to soothe sadness, anxiety, dissatisfaction, or loss. Others simply use any celebration as an excuse to overindulge.
5. Cold weather. Some people crave high-calorie comfort food and drink when the mercury dips.

Once you have identified your particular downfall(s) what do you do? How do you ensure that you do everything in your power to not fall victim? By utilizing these 3 survival skills:

1. Practice awareness
   · Be aware of what you eat & how much
   · ‘Tis the season to be realistic…try to MAINTAIN your weight during this time, rather than lose it.
   · Keep your perspective…don’t go in with an “all or nothing” attitude
   · Always look for opportunities to be more active
2. Manage Stress & Emotions.
   · Lower your expectations. Ask for help or simplify your meals
   · Learn to say “no”. It is the season for giving, but don’t stretch yourself too thin
   · Turn to people rather than food for comfort
   · Exercise is a great outlet for sadness, frustration & stress
3. Plan in Advance.
   · Eat a little something healthy before you go
   · Avoid temptations. Walk away from the group talking around the fresh baked goods or gift basket.
   · Have healthy snacks on hand. They will save you from unhealthy options while traveling.
   · Think about what really matters, and let the rest go. You don’t have to go to every person’s party or dinner.
   · Schedule time in your day for brisk walks after meals or parties. Even a short 10 minute walk is better than 30 minutes of nothing.

The bottom line, the experts say, is to try to maintain a healthy lifestyle both in and outside of the fall/winter feasting season. Constant weight gains and losses can be harmful to your health and your psyche.

What is the best way to survive the feasting season? By keeping in mind that celebrations are really about family and friends -- not food.

Until Tomorrow!
Keep healthy, keep safe and keep going!
Have an awesome day!♥Fit~NOW~Girl♥