The holidays are a time for spending time with family, enjoying great food, and fun times. But there are also many stressful parts of the holiday season that we don’t often talk about.
Common Stressful Situations During the Holiday Season
Buying gifts can be fun but stressful.
Going to the mall where there is lots of food around.
Deciding what to buy for family and friends.
Spending all that money.
Spending time with family
Lots of food around the house.
Old habits get restarted – overeating can be one of them.
Pressure from others to eat and drink food that you normally would avoid.
Stressful family situations.
Lots of candy around at work
Gifts of food received
Lots of food commercials showing your favorite comfort foods.
Being prepared to Avoid temptations and stressors
When going to the mall bring healthy snacks and a bottle of water. This will save you money and calories. It will stop you from going to a vendor to purchase a drink (and then being tempted by the snacks available).
If eating a meal at the mall, choose a restaurant that has healthy food options. If eating in the food court, get a grilled chicken sandwich or grilled chicken on a salad. If eating at a sit down restaurant, be prepared; look at the menu online before going to the mall.
Avoid eating the free samples of food that are all over the place at the mall and in stores.
Purchase gifts online. You will be at home where you have healthier food choices and will also likely spend less money as you will not be tempted by those impulse purchase items.
When with family, have plenty of fruits and vegetables in the house. Stick to eating 3 meals a day with two healthy snacks. Do not snack on the cookies, candy, and leftovers. Instead limit yourself to fruit or a 100 calorie snacks (refer to the 100 calorie snack list).
Try to stay out of the kitchen at your workplace during the holiday season. Co-workers often bring in leftover treats which can be very tempting. Instead bring your lunch with an ice pack and keep it at your desk. Another option is to go out to lunch (and make healthy choices at the restaurant you are eating at).
If you are given a gift of candy, either put it out when others come over to visit, re-gift it, or bring it to work to share with your co-workers. If you keep it in your house, it will be very tempting to eat.
When watching TV, DVR your favorite shows and fast forward the commercials, or have something to keep you busy during the food commercials so that you are not tempted by the food ads.
Do you have any other ideas? Add them to the comment section below on the blog.
Have a happy and healthy holiday season.
