Curiously Awesome

Traditional holiday foods like pumpkin pie, fudge, and gingerbread cookies are a strong temptation for folks to overeat during this time of year. These aren’t the main source of traditional holiday binging, however. Holiday stress seems to be what leads people to gain weight during the holiday season.

Most sources of stress are increased during this time of year. Giving gifts, taking time off from work and traveling are particularly stressful. Add in time for shopping, deadlines for sending gifts and cards, and attending endless parties and this can mean definite expansion for the waistline.

Stress eating often increases during the holidays and usually takes the form of mindless binging. One simple method you can use to reduce this kind of eating is to pay more attention to what you’re eating and why you are eating it.

The next time you’re feeling stressed try taking a deep breath first. If possible step away from the immediate presence of food until you have a chance to regain your sense of control. Identify the cause of your stress and then make a conscious decision to let the stressful feelings go.

Unfortunately, stress doesn’t only cause one to overeat. It also causes more fat to be stored. Cortisol and epinephrine are released during periods of stress and these both encourage the storage of fat. These hormones are meant for short-term release but constant stress causes excessive cortisol release and therefore weight gain.

Exercise can counter holiday weight gain in more than one way. Staying active will help you burn off extra calories and it will also help reduce your stress levels.

Any time you can relax and unwind there will be a positive impact on stress levels. Listen to your favorite music, read for pleasure, or focus on the things in life that bring you happiness. Instead of drowning in your favorite comfort food, minimize your stress this holiday season and you’ll really be treating yourself.