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Health & Wellness

2008-01-01 14:23:00

Why did I eat so much during the holidays?

Why is it that during the holiday season, I have the best of intentions to stick with my regular eating habits, but I always end up overeating and gaining weight? Is it just because food is more available during the holiday season?

Answer: Being around yummy holiday foods can be tempting, but actually there is something else going on. If you’ll recall in my column last month, I spoke of holiday stress which can actually be a large part of the problem. You might be wondering how this happens. Studies have shown that when people are feeling down or facing too much stress in their lives, they tend to turn to food and/or alcohol for relief. This occurs with both men and women, although it is more common among women. An interesting study commissioned by the American Institute for Cancer Research found that after the attacks on the World Trade Center in September 2001 that 20% of the people surveyed reported eating more comfort foods than usual –specifically fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, macaroni and cheese, cookies, ice cream, and other sugary foods. So why do we turn to these foods when we are stressed? During periods of high stress our bodies release stress hormones called Cortisol. This causes intense cravings for those foods which are high in fats and carbohydrates. When faced with constant and on-going stress (which often occurs during the holidays), the levels of Cortisol in our bodies increase causing us to crave ‘comfort foods’ instead of broccoli and carrots! In cave-man days this rush was necessary for our survival; however we no longer need to be able to outrun Saber-toothed tigers! Our bodies however can not differentiate between the stresses – whether resulting from Saber-tooth tigers, the hubbub of holiday activity, or from prying, out-of-town family members. As our stress levels grow we produce more Cortisol causing an increase in cravings. When we indulge in these cravings without being able to properly burn off the excess calories, we gain weight. Instead of reaching for that piece of pie or fudge, try doing something different. Stop to consider why you might still be eating, although you are no longer hungry. Are you perhaps overwhelmed with your to-do list? Are you are trying to do too much in too short of a time? Are you feeling pressure from visiting relatives or friends? These types of events can cause a person to feel trapped and miserable. Maybe you feel that food or alcohol is a way to self-soothe. But remember, both of these options create only a temporary ‘fix’. Alcohol is high in calories and low in nutrients, doing nothing to alleviate hunger. Soon, you’ll find yourself reaching for something to eat anyway. Alcohol is a depressant, only adding to the feelings of loneliness and despair which sometimes hits during the holiday season. So be careful when using food or alcohol as a way of comforting yourself, as it can end up compounding your problems. Remember that the holidays are the most emotional time of the year for many, especially women. We often times feel pressured to make everything perfect – to have that Norman Rockwell Christmas. Strive instead to be realistic with yourself and others in what you can accomplish – set limits with others when necessary. Plan to do only those things which are meaningful to you and your family and skip the rest. Remember to pay attention to what’s going on in your mind and body. Seek a trusted friend, family member, member of the clergy, or a mental health professional if the problems seem too large to handle on your own.