Managing Diet and Stress During the Holidays

There cannot be a stressful crisis next week. My schedule is already full.  -Henry Kissinger 

Most people that try to observe some healthy eating habits will sometimes throw it all out the window during Thanksgiving and Christmas.  In many cases we may be doing okay in terms of our eating habits, but the holidays come and we somehow forget that doubling out calorie and sugar intake is a bad idea.  Believe me when I say that I understand perfectly how difficult it is to resist all those delicious treats that appear before us, as if by magic, during this time of year.  Consider these strategies for adhering to a healthy diet, avoiding weight gain, and managing stress during the holidays: 

• Continue with your normal exercise routine.  During these cold and bleak winter months it is extremely easy to get out of the habit of exercising.  Even on cold winter days you can bundle up and go for a brisk walk.  The fresh, crisp air is invigorating and if the sun is shining you will be energized emotionally as well.  I know a man from our church that is approaching the age of 70, and rain or shine he walks twice a day at a local park.  This gentleman is fit, relaxed, calm, and I never find him in a bad mood.  Clearly there is a connection between his exercise regiment and his overall outlook and good health. 
  

• Resolve to eat smaller portions during the holidays.  When you go to someone’s home for a Christmas dinner, there will be benevolent and concerned people who will try to make sure that your plate is piled high with rich foods and desserts.  You must be the one to take charge of your eating habits and insist on smaller portions.  Someone may even tease you about it, and if that happens then use it as an opportunity to practice grace and patience.   

• Remember that you do not have to attend each and every Christmas party and dinner to which you are invited.  We are all extremely stressed out this time of year anyway.  Why add to this by overloading our schedules?  Sit down and look at your calendar for the rest of the year.  Make a conscious decision about what you will and will not do for the rest of the year and stick with that plan.  We cannot be more than one place at a time; stop trying to do everything, for this will quickly wear us out. 

• Scale back on your shopping budget this year.  Uncle Ed out in Sacramento probably doesn’t care one way or another if he receives a Christmas gift from you this year.  Send him a nice card with a recent photo.  That’s a lot less expensive than a new toaster and will be just as appreciated.   

Start practicing right now: “No thank you, I’m full.”  “Thank you, no; I’ve had plenty of cake.” 

It’s going to be a great Christmas!