The holidays are always a reason to celebrate. The good and bad of this, however, is that those celebrations almost always revolve around food. If you’ve worked hard to stay fit and trim all year, be mindful of the common challenges that make having healthful habits during the holidays so difficult. Here are some things that make your battle with weight an uphill one over the next few months.
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- Celebrations that Focus on Food. Have you ever been to a party that didn’t have some type of food and drink? Throughout the world, cultures celebrate over food, especially during the holidays. The last thing most of us want to do is be a “food scrooge” by refusing to enjoy what’s offered. And let’s not forget the alcohol. There’s nothing better at lowering our willpower to stop at the first helping than a nice spiked eggnog.
- Stress. Holiday obligations and expectations add to the hectic holiday season. Home decorations, gift shopping, Christmas parties and school and church events all make for a meaningful, yet packed season.
- Exhaustion. Sleep deprivation, especially in busy seasons, triggers hormones that make us more likely to overeat.
- Emotional eating. The holidays should be a time of joy and happiness. But, for many, it also means a time of sadness, anxiety, dissatisfaction, or loss. Many people may turn to food to soothe their feelings. Many also allow themselves to think that the holidays are a free pass to indulge “just because.”
- Cold weather. Fall weather brings those homey cravings for sweet potato casserole, pecan pie, and all of those wonderful high-calorie foods that remind us of the warmth we find in cold weather.
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You should allow yourself to enjoy the season’s yummy treats, but in moderation. Keep in mind that weight gained and not lost adds up with each passing holiday season. If you’ve been struggling with the extra weight for years, it may be time to consult with Dr. Byrd about fat-loss techniques to give your body the boost it needs for keeping the weight off. Call to schedule an appointment today.