It seems these days the holidays might as well start in September. Christmas decor slowly starts springing up as the holidays inch closer and closer. This means for many people the stress is beginning earlier each year as well. Don't let stress contribute to that holiday weight gain.
Truthfully it is a myth that the holidays make us gain weight. It isn't the holidays. It's the lack of self willpower around the holiday goodies. This is just one thing of many that can cause us to stress. Once we stress our bodies make more cortisol making us crave sweet foods and lead to weight gain.
Time with the family can definitely cause stress leading you to stuff cookies in your mouth. Family knows the most about us and knows just how to push our buttons. On the other hand a family gathering can force people to be in a room with relatives they hardly know just grasping at anything to chat about. That type of awkward conversation can lead to grazing just a bit too much to comfort ourselves.
A season should not lead you to pack on the pounds. It is all up to you how to think about it. If you let the stress of shopping for an entire list and making the best food and having the cleanest house for the parties then those inches could creep on. You know if you are an emotional eater. If you find yourself reaching for the pretty Christmas M&M bag when you are feeling overwhelmed, you might be an emotional eater! Ask yourself if you really want that piece of chocolate or are you just postponing thinking of other things at that very moment. Instead of eating reach for those car keys and go to the mall to get those gifts you are stressing about and blow off some steam at the same time.
The economy isn't back to where it was a few years ago so no one expects a million dollar gift. It is in the back of our minds to please everyone with gifts. Most people would be touched with a heartfelt gift that was made with your own hands. Most people don't expect diamond earrings no matter what the commercials tell you. Putting stress on your pocketbook will only put more stress on your body.
If you don't follow any of this, ask around. Friends and family will tell you the exact same thing. All of the advertisements at this time of year make us think the world is our oyster of gifts. The amazing photos in the magazines showing perfectly decorated homes are actually set up by publishers and photographers. Most of those homes just don't exist. If those homes had a few kids and a few pets then their house would look just like ours. A disheveled home full of homemade Christmas decorations by the kids and presents scattered under the tree in an unorganized fashion show the world you are living it up. You are living with love. Don't let the anxiety of having a picture perfect holiday season overshadow the true reason for the season.
With all of this said it's just fine to reach for an occasional treat. If you don't then you could be setting yourself up to eat an entire table of desserts. Wait a little bit to indulge then take what will fill you up and make you happy. Don't stress about it. Just eat it and enjoy every little morsel then move on with life.
The holidays are a time of loved ones. Gifts are wonderful and thoughtful, but remember it is always the thought that counts. Cortisol does not need to rule your holiday season.
Stress should never take the place of the joy and happiness the season holds. Try to hold on to the goodness and don't get swept up in the commercialization. If you do all of this then once that New Year rolls around you will be ready to tackle it with enthusiasm instead of just stressing some more about time on the treadmill.
Davisson Clinic
Diet by Design Weight Loss Center
Dr. Harvey G. Davisson
Dallas, TX
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